2018 01 03 obs1 by The Observer Newspaper

January 3, 2018 • www.theobserver.com • Vol. CXXX, No. 34

HIGHLIGHTS Routine MV stop leads to cache of drugs & a gun in Kearny. Page 6

COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

BOUND FOR THE HALL

Kearny policeman 1 of 5 in first class of super Jets fans By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com

KEARNY — A member of Kearny’s Finest is in select company in the world of pro sports. Frank West, an officer with the Kearny Police Department, is one of a quintet admitted into the inaugural class of the New York Football Jets Fan Hall of Fame. “They gave me the highest honor that could be bestowed on a Jets fan,” West told The Observer in a phone interview last week. That tribute came Christmas Eve at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where the Jets were playing host to the L.A. Chargers as part of the NFL’s Week 16 matchups. (West said he’d gotten an official heads-up prior in a phone call from Jets President Neil Glat.) A perennial home game tailgater, West — whose talents as a culinary artist were highlighted when he appeared on the Food Network’s show, “Chopped,” as a Jets representative — had to forego that ritual on the day of the ceremonies. New York Jets photo “We had to be [at the stadium] at 11 [a.m.] so no tailgate

Frank West, a Kearny policeman, trots onto the field at MetLife Stadium, prior to being inducted into the first-ever class of the Jets Fans Hall of Fame.

See WEST, Page 27

Most read stories of ‘17 on theobserver.com

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

wo cops facing disciplinary charges, bail reform in New Jersey, the death of a 14-year-old Kearny High School freshman boy, Lyndhurst’s 100th anniversary and a domestic-violence case turned murder top the five most

read stories on www.theobserver.com in 2017. 1. ‘Cops facing discipline: chief,’ by Ron Leir Ron Leir’s July story about two Kearny police officers on disciplinary, unpaid leave tops our list of most-read stories on The Observer’s website in 2017. According to Leir’s report, then-Chief John Dowie filed charges against the two not-asyet-named veteran officers who, if found guilty,

could be thrown off the force — among other possibilities. While the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office declined to file charges against the two cops — and instead, returned the case back to Dowie to handle on his own, the town did hire Robert A. See MOST, Page 26

#1 LIStIng And SeLLIng reAL eStAte COMpAny In 2015 & 2016!

201-460-8000

LyndhurSt OFFICe 761 ridge road, Lyndhurst, new Jersey C21Semiao@Century21.com

SCAn here! CENTURY

Semiao & Associates

www.Century21Semiao.com

Download

http://kay

21 Semia

o and Assoc

iates http://www.ce - Hudson Coun t... ntury21semi ao.com

QR Code

Reader (App

R3I

Store &Andro

KeArny OFFICe 531 Kearny Ave, Kearny, new Jersey

C21Semiaokearny@Century21.com

wa.me/aB

the Kaywa

201-991-1300

id Market

BASed On nJMLS, KeArny, nOrth ArLIngtOn, LyndhurSt, hArrISOn, eASt newArK ) and scan

your code!

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Historic Lyndhurst home struck by fire By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com LYNDHURST — Township police and firefighters helped several occupants of a Page Ave. residence flee a smoky fire from the building’s upper levels on Dec. 26. One resident suffered a minor burn injury; no funiformed responders were reported hurt. Lyndhurst Mayor Robert

FIRE NEWS Giangeruso posted a notice on the township website, crediting “the members of our all-volunteer Fire Department, officers from our Police Department and our emergency squad EMTs for their swift response to an

early-morning house fire at 541 Page Ave.” “Just six [and a half] hours after the Christmas holiday, a tragedy was averted,” the mayor/public safety commissioner said, through the intervention of the first responders. And, Giangeruso noted, the residence, “which is a historic landmark in our township, was saved by the quick actions of our volun-

BRADY, BRADY & REILLY

Experience. Expertise. Success. NO FEES UNLESS YOU RECOVER DAMAGES. FOR 50 YEARS, BRADY, BRADY & REILLY has provided outstanding legal representation to citizens of North Jersey. Firm attorneys are committed to their clients, their profession and their community. They have demonstrated expertise in handling complex legal issues and high-value claims. PRACTICE AREAS The firm has a strong focus on personal injury cases including motor vehicle and construction accidents, medical malpractice, criminal defense, worker’s compensation and municipal court. The attorneys are expert litigators and are known for their success in the courtroom. LEGAL LEADERS The firm is pleased that partners Lawrence P. Brady and Kathleen M. Reilly have been selected for inclusion on the 2016 Super Lawyers list.*

Brady has 50 years of experience in representing clients who have suffered injury as a result of others’ negligence. Since 1982 he has been certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney. The National Board of Trial Advocacy has also certified him in a civil trial advocacy. His practice is concentrated on plaintiffs’ personal injury, products liability and toxic torts. Reilly has 33 years experience in handling personal injury claims. She has numerous verdicts and settlements including a 1.8 million settlement for a worker injured on the job, a 6 million verdict on behalf of a bicyclist. She is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney. *No aspect of of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of NJ.

377 KEARNY AVE., KEARNY, NJ 07032

T: 201-997-0030 • F: 201-997-7150 • www.bbr-law.com HOUSE CALLS • HOME VISITS NOW AVAILABLE

LFD

Two ladders raised to rear-upper windows, where police officers helped residents escape, can be seen after the Boxing Day fire was completely extinguished. Firefighters helped remove occupants from the roof.

teer firefighters.” A press release issued by the Lyndhurst Volunteer Fire Department said the LFD was sent to the Page Ave. building at 6:25 a.m. “on a report of second-floor bedroom fire with victims on the roof. “Upon arrival, there were two occupants on the roof, on the east and north sides of the residence … and two occupants hanging from a second-floor window in the front of the residence. “Engine 1 stretched a one and three-quarter-inch line to the fire and contained it to the [second floor] room of origin. Victims were assisted out the front windows by Lyndhurst police officers as Engine 1 was arriving at the scene. ‘Engine 1 and Truck 1 deployed ground ladders and removed the two occupants from the roof.” Firefighters from the LFD, assisted by a mutual aid response from Rutherford Engine Co. 2 and a F.A.S.T. team from North Arlington Rescue 5, “were met by icy condi-

tions on the slate roof and ground, which hampered the ground ladder operations.” Lyndhurst Deputy Fire Commissioner Paul Haggerty said one of the adults aided down from the roof — a man in his 30s — sustained a non-life-threatening burn for which he was persuaded to be transported to an area hospital for examination. Haggerty said a combination of heat and smoke in the building’s stairwell prevented the upstairs occupants from making their way down to the first-floor exit. Because of the quick response, “the occupants were safe within five minutes of the arrival of police and firefighters,” Haggerty said. He said a second-floor bedroom, the point of origin, possibly started from a defective heating source – and the flames were knocked down “within 15 minutes.” Except for the second-floor bedroom, which Haggerty described as “a complete loss,” and water damage to See FIRE, Page 25

Inside this edition ... Opinion....................................................................8 Food & Dining Directory.............................................12 Sports & Recreation...................................................13 Health & Wellness Directory.......................................15 Real Estate..............................................................18 Real Estate Directory.................................................19 Obituaries................................................................21 Classifieds...............................................................22 Business Directory....................................................26

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Doran: Kennedy School work imminent By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com HARRISON — Wondering when construction will begin on Harrison’s Kennedy School? “They should be driving piles within the next six weeks,” Assistant Superintendent of Schools James Doran said recently. Doran, who meets

close to 400 children in pre-K, kindergarten and first grade. As the run-up to actual construction continues, the Harrison Board of Education on Dec. 14 arranged for the future school to be equipped with “all cabling and electronics for transmission of voice, video and data” by applying, through the SDA,

The compromise settlement grants academic credit for half of the contested courses for two years. • Approved an agreement with Drew University to host Project Graduation 2018 in the university’s athletic center, pending review by board counsel. And, in another development, Doran said work on a new BOE website

HARRISON NEWS Eight teachers wanted to be moved up on the union salary guide on the basis of having taken certain postgraduate online courses but Doran had questioned the legitimacy of those courses.

is continuing. A posting on the existing website says: “Our district website is moving to a new home to better assist our community. Meanwhile, we ask you to confirm any items and event dates by calling either our BOE’s office at 973-483-2055 or the Superintendent’s Office at 973-483-4627 or your child’s school.”

Large Variety • Homemade Meals, Soups & Salads • Hot & Cold Sandwiches made fresh daily

15%

Any purchase $50 or more

10%

Any purchase $25 or more

Cannot be combined. Exp. 1/15/18

• Pierogis • Fresh & Smoked Kielbasa • Potato Pancakes • Blintzes • Meat & Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage

Baked Goods Babkas • Chrusciki Poppy Seed Rolls Polish Cookies Large Variety of Polish Cakes & Cookies

154 MIDLAND AVE. • KEARNY • 201-998-0205

Hot Lunches & Dinners

TO GO!

Photo by Ron Leir

A pedestrian walks past the future site of Harrison’s John F. Kennedy School.

Go After Your Career and Academic Dreams in 2018 –

regularly with representatives of the N.J. Schools Development Authority (SDA) and the general contractor Brockwell & Carrington, to plan all aspects of the job, said the SDA is confident that pilings can be driven as deep as 36 feet to anchor the future school facility, severe winter cold conditions notwithstanding. Whether that will happen remains to be seen. In late November 2016, B&C was awarded the $25+ million contract to erect a 3-story, 65,500-square foot school building to accommodate

Apply and Register Now at Hudson County Community College

for participation in the E-rate Consortium. In other business, the BOE: • Ratified a lease agreement with the Hudson County Community College for classroom space at Washington Middle School for the balance of the 20172018 school year, starting Jan. 22. Doran said the new arrangement calls for HCCC to pay $30 per classroom for each night of use. • Accepted an arbitration settlement agreement with the Harrison Education Association stemming from an HEA class action grievance filed May 1, 2016.

Submit news To submit a press release to The Observer, send all pertinent information (text, photos, etc.) by email to editorial@ theobserver.com. We cannot guarantee placement in the newspaper, but we will do our best to publish your news.

Spring Semester starts January 22, 2018 Spring Quick Term (12 weeks) starts February 12, 2018 Spring Online B (7 weeks) starts March 28, 2018 • Save thousands of dollars by earning your degree or certificate at HCCC • Over 60 degree and certificate programs • HCCC faculty and staff work hard to help you succeed • HCCC Financial Aid experts make sure over 80% of our students receive scholarships and financial aid • Take classes where it’s best for you – Campuses in Jersey City and Union City, plus locations throughout Hudson County • Plan courses around your schedule – day, night, weekends, and online Visit our Admissions offices or log onto www.hccc.edu/success JOURNAL SQUARE CAMPUS 70 Sip Avenue, First Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 360-4110 • admissions@hccc.edu (right by Journal Square PATH Station) NORTH HUDSON CAMPUS 4800 Kennedy Blvd., Union City, NJ 07087 (201) 360-4627 • northhudsoncampus@hccc.edu (adjacent to the NJ Transit Bergenline Ave. Transit Center)

QUESTIONS?

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Field returfing nears completion NUTLEY — The Father Glotzbach Field re-turfing project is nearing completion and new state-of-theart artificial surface is being installed to replace the existing 11-year-old covering, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Mauro Tucci said. “Fields, parks and green space are gems for our township,” Tucci said, “designed to enhance the experience for Nutley residents and all who visit our great community. Completion of this project truly gives residents a completely renovated sports complex incorporating Glotzback Field, Owens Field and the Recreation Department building.” The re-turfing job is being financed by a combination

NUTLEY NEWS matching grant and loan totaling $350,115 from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program coupled with township capital funds, Tucci said. Glotzback Field is used by local soccer and lacrosse recreation and travel leagues, by the high school and the general public. During the summer, it hosats Camp Nutley and sports clinics. “With an ever-growing list of recreational options for residents to enjoy, this top-notch synthetic turf field is a huge component for expanding year-round use of our facilities,” Tucci said.

Township of Nutley

An overhead view of returfing ongoing at the Father Glotzbach Field in Nutley. According to township officials, the project is close to complete.

Lusitânia

www.TheObserver.com

SAVINGS BANK

30-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

3.875

Rate

3.921

+ 0 Points

APR

15-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

2.990

3.070

Rate + 0 Points

APR

10-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

2.875

Rate

+ 0 Points

2.991

APR

RESIDENTIAL PURCHASES & REFINANCES

Foreclosed and Short-Sale Properties Financing Options Available

107 Pulaski Street, Newark, New Jersey 07105 302 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. N., Harrison, New Jersey 07029 1135 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, New Jersey 07205 210 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ 07105

(973) 344-5125 ext. 129 www.Lusitaniabank.com EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER

Payment Example: $9.60 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 10-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 2.875% will result in 120 payments of $959.85. Payment Example: $6.90 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 2.990% will result in 180 payments of $690.10. Payment Example: $4.70 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 30-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.875% will result in 360 payments of $470.24. Actual monthly payment may be higher because example does not include applicable property taxes, fees, insurance premiums or other related costs. Annual percentage rate (APR) based on $100,000. loan with a 10-year,15-year and 30-year amortization term. Financing on residential 1-4 family properties. Minimum finance charge of $555.00. Owner occupied rate. New loans only. Rates and annual percentage rates are based on 80% loan to value with 20% equity or 20% down payment. Rates and annual percentages are effective as of publication date of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available. NMLS # 640892

Let’s Talk

Real Estate Presented by Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

BUYING SELLERS MORE TIME While many sellers these days are benefiting from a rebounding market, some worry that the consolidation in pricing may work against them when it is their turn to purchase their next home. With this in mind, it is best to work with a real estate agent to develop a relocation strategy. One way that sellers can buy themselves some time is to make the sale of their home contingent on the buyer leasing the house back to them. That way, the sellers have extra time to switch their focus from selling a home to buying one. It should be pointed out that this leaseback strategy

works best in highly competitive seller’s markets. Before you start searching for your next dream home, you’ll need to figure out when you’re going to sell your existing home. The decision is a complex one, especially considering the unpredictable economic environment in which you’re living. While there’s no magic formula for determining the best time to sell a home, there are several factors you should consider. For more information, please call our office. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

Visit out website at: www.midrealty.com HINT: Sellers with multiple bidders are best suited to exercise the sale/leaseback option.

Mid-Realty, Inc

572 Kearny Avenue • Kearny, NJ 07032 Office: 201-991-5719 • Cell: 201-602-7222

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

KPD: Biting is naughty, not nice By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com KEARNY — Okay. It was Christmas Eve. There’s always the chance the suspect’s friends had asked Santa for help with their personal cleanliness. But still … At 1:24 p.m., Dec. 24, Officer Jordenson Jean responded to a report of a disorderly shoplifter at ShopRite, where the suspect — Tawana Edwards, 48, of Newark — had bitten the store manager on the hand when he tried to prevent her from stealing $135.27 worth of “various hygiene products,” police said. Arrested, Edwards was allegedly found to also be in possession of $1,171.68 worth of unpaid-for-merchandise from Marshalls. (Alas, we do not know what that included or what the specific ShopRite items were.) Edwards was charged with robbery, shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia — a burnt glass pipe — and was held pending transfer to the Hudson County Jail. Where we presume there is at least some soap. Other recent reports from the Kearny police blotter included the following: Dec. 19 Officer David Bush, on patrol at Passaic and N. Midland Aves. at 7:42 p.m., observed an individual walking across the off-limits RR bridge and arrested him for trespassing. A search reportedly revealed Donald G. Kubs, 35, of Kearny, to have in his pocket one wax fold of heroin, stamped “Whoa.” He was charged with possession of the drug and drug paraphernalia and with defiant trespass and, police said, was found to have warrants from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Greenwich Township and Pohatcong Township. Kubs was booked and transferred to the Hudson County Jail. ••• At 11:16 p.m., at Dukes St. and Essex Place (thank you, Google maps), Officer Michal

Gontarczuk arrested Jose Rodriguez, 41, of Newark on a $5,000 (10%) trespass warrant out of that city. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, reportedly a glass pipe and a cut straw with white residue. He too, ended up in the county jail. (Police

said Rodriguez was initially stopped for questioning in regard to a Dec. 18 burglary, but as of press time he had not been charged with any connection to that crime.) Dec. 22 At 11:43 p.m., multiple units responded to Walmart

on a report of shoplifting by a trio of females. In the parking lot, Lt. Charles Smith and Officers Sean Podolski and Chris Manolis confronted two of the suspects, who allegedly had $327.63 worth of stolen merchandise in the back seat of their car. They were identified as Qamarah

Johnson, 35, of East Orange, and Yomisha Robinson, 34, of Newark. Their reputed cohort, Andrea Finney, 29, of Newark, was arrested inside the store. All three were charged with shoplifting and See BLOTTER, Page 6

A SMARTER WAY TO SAVE!

RAISER RATE

CSBK’S

ACCOUNT

BONUS 6-MONTH INTRO RATE

1.50

% APY

CSBK’s Rate Raiser™ account is the perfect choice in today’s rising rate environment! After earning the high-yield introductory rate, your postintroductory rate will change based on when the WSJ Prime Rate changes. Each time the WSJ Prime Rate moves, so does your post-introductory rate, a minimum of .10%, automatically. Plus you have unlimited access to your account and no crazy hoops to jump through to earn a great rate.

• • •

Mobile app Debit card Online banking

• • •

No ATM fees No transaction limitations No added requirements to earn stated rate (like debit card purchases or bill payments)

csbk.bank 973-473-2200 Clifton • Fair Lawn • Garfield • Hoboken Lyndhurst • Montclair • Wallington • Wayne *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 1/2/18. Rate Raiser™ checking is for personal account holders only and requires a minimum opening deposit of $25,000, consisting of funds which have not been on deposit at CSBK for the past 6 months. Limit one (1) Rate Raiser account per primary tax reporting ID. Introductory rate and APY applies to entire account balance for 180 days from date of account opening. Post-introductory interest rate is a variable rate paid on balances of $10,000 or more; a service fee applies if monthly average balance falls below $10,000. Current post-introductory rates are as follows: 1.10% APY for balances of $10,000-$99,999; 1.30% APY on balances of $100,000 or more. CSBK will increase or decrease post-introductory rates a minimum of 10 basis points within 30 business days of each corresponding increase or decrease in the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. CSBK does not charge its customers if they use a non-CSBK ATM. Promotional rates and product subject to change or end without notice. See a client service specialist for more information. Member FDIC. © CSBK 2018

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

A trunk full of surprises By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com KEARNY — It was just another of your “routine” traffic stops, but when the dust settled, the Kearny PD likely could have used an extra evidence room at headquarters. At 1:40 a.m. on Dec. 20, Officers Jonathan Dowie and David Bush began following a 2004 Mercedes reportedly being driven “erratically” on Passaic Ave. and pulled it over at Afton and William Sts., where, police said, they detected the odor of burnt marijuana and saw inside

the car three cell phones and a prescription bottle with a peeled label. Police said the driver — Shannon Venable, 39, of Newark — said he was en route to Belmont Ave. in Kearny, which we know does not exist. Venable reportedly complied with the officers’ request to step from the car and gave consent for them to search the driver’s area, but not the trunk. Police said he freely admitted he had been arrested for drug-related offenses and had served seven years in federal prison for crimes involving a firearm. Based on that information,

the KPD requested assistance from the Jersey City PD’s K-9 unit, which dispatched a dog that sniffed about the car and reportedly made a positive “hit” on the trunk, at which point the vehicle was

Valentine’s Day Greetings Send your message to anyone who holds a place in your heart, with a published greeting in

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I love you! Kevin

Double Box (1 col by 4”)

29.99

(25 words or less & photo) Single Box (1 col by 2”)

19.99

(20 words or less & photo)

Have a special day, Mom!

Happy Valentine’s Day! PUBLICATION DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2018

seized and held until a search warrant could be obtained. Venable was also seized and held, on a charge of illegal possession of a Rx drug, and taken to the Hudson County Jail. (Plus, he got a summons for careless driving.) Hudson County Superior Court issued the warrant, and Dowie, Bush and Det. Mike Andrews opened the trunk, in which, police said, they found a loaded Glock handgun, with 13 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. Although its serial number was defaced, authorities said, it was later found to have been stolen from Pennsylvania. Also in the trunk, police said, were: 75 wax folds of heroin; 41 vials of crack cocaine; 51 Xanax tablets; 41 wax folds of

BLOTTER

Continued from Page 5 conspiracy to commit same. Additionally, police said, Johnson had a $253 (full) town ordinance warrant from Elizabeth. She and Finney were held for transfer to the county jail; Robinson was released on a summons. Dec. 23 It was back to Walmart at 4:10 p.m. on a report that a man had tried to steal two TVs worth a total of $2,196. Officer Alan Stickno arrested suspect Laquan Wright, 25, of Newark, on a charge of shoplifting. Wright, who police said also had a $500 (full) Newark warrant, went to the county jail. Dec. 25 For all those wondering about the downed traffic light

POLICE BEAT cocaine; 64 Ecstasy pills, and a box of sandwich bags. Venable remained ensconced in the county jail, on new charges of: unlawful possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm for unlawful purposes; possession of hollow-point ammunition; receiving stolen property; possession of a defaced firearm; possession of a weapon while committing a drug offense; possession of a weapon by a convicted felon; possession of CDS; possession with intent to distribute; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

at Passaic and Bergen Aves. on Christmas Day: Police said it was assaulted 6:13 a.m. by a 2010 Ford pick-up driven by Jair Moreira-Bueno, 42, of East Newark. Police said he told responding Officer Sean Kelly that he had been heading north, using his cell phone, when he veered off the road. Although he denied drinking, police said there was an odor of alcohol and that he failed field sobriety tests. He was charged with DUI, reckless driving, failure to exhibit an insurance card, failure to keep right, using a hand-held phone while driving, having an expired license and refusing to take an Alcotest. When the signal pole came down, it brought with it several live wires that were left dangling above the roadway. The Kearny Fire Department helped remedy that situation.

Engage with The Observer on social media

Bring or Send your message along with a photo (optional) with your name, address and phone number with a check or money order to:

The Observer has a wide presence on social media. Be sure to follow or like us on our pages. Visit:

The Observer

■ www.facebook.com/theobservernewspaper

39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032

Message can also be sent to classified@theobserver.com All messages must be received by February 9 by 3PM

■ www.twitter.com/theobservernj ■ www.instagram.com/theobservernewspaper

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Pedestrian fatality on Passaic Ave. By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com KEARNY — An 81-year-old Parsippany woman died last week after being struck by a pick-up truck while crossing Passaic Ave. at Riverview Court, Kearny police reported. Police said the victim, Suzhen Jia, was walking to a parking area on the west side of Passaic when she was hit by the southbound vehicle at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17. According to the KPD, the driver, a 42-year-old North Arlington man, said he did not see the woman, who was dressed all in black. Her daughter, who had been crossing the avenue ahead of her, was not hit. When the motorist felt an impact and realized he had struck something, police said, he immediately pulled over and remained at the scene. In addition to the KPD,

North Arlington EMS and MONOC paramedics responded to the site. Jia was taken to Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, where she was pronounced dead. Police said speed was not a factor in the fatality, and no charges were filed against the driver. “It appears to be just a tragic accident,” said a KPD spokesman. ••• Regarding the Dec. 13 fatal crash on Forest St., reported recently in The Observer, police have identified the victim as Edward Henderson, 59, of Kearny. Police said Henderson died after his Jeep plowed into the back of a U.S. Postal Service truck, which had stopped on Forest near Howell Place to make a delivery. The cause of the 2:30 p.m. accident remains under investigation.

Observer file photo

Police have identified the victim of a Dec. 13 fatal crash, depicted here, as Edward Henderson, 59, of Kearny. Henderson was driving the Jeep when it rear-ended a postal truck.

Financing Cooper’s Block

Call Today at:

201.991.0067

432 Ridge Road, North Arlington NJ • www.RipostaLaw.com

SCHUYLER SAVINGS BANK We’re Not Just a Bank - We’re Family

MORTGAGE SPECIAL 20 Davis Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-6078 203-205 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. Harrison, NJ 07029 (973) 412-1266

15 Year Fixed 3.125% RATE 3.150% APR* Payment $6.97 PER $1,000

SAME RATE FOR PURCHASE OR REFINANCE *Annual Percentage Rate (APR) accurate as 8/21/17

Photo courtesy of Schuyler Savings Bank

Schuyler Savings Bank, with offices in Kearny and Harrison, recently financed renovations to Cooper’s Block Pub & Eatery. In front of the restaurant are, from l., Nancy Shaw, Rosana Galarza and Alejandra Garcia, all of the bank’s loan department and Hugh O’Neill, co-owner of Cooper’s.

CALL US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO NMLS # 507571

LOAN DEPT. 201-991-6078 www.schuylersavings.com

Required down payments as low as 5% with Private Mortgage Insurance. Rates quoted for owner-occupied New Jersey properties only. Application fee $150; appraisal fee $475; flood certification fee $20; credit report fee $17.40 per borrower for one family and condo loans. Fees may be higher for 2-4 family homes. Property insurance is required. Flood insurance may be required. Rates quoted are for qualifying applicants only. Attorney review fee is $250. Monthly cost per $1,000 borrowed represents principal and interest only and does not include escrows for real estate taxes and/or insurance premiums, which, if applicable, will make your actual payment obligation greater. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Loans are subject to credit approval. Not responsible for any typographical errors.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

thoughts&views The contents of letters do not reflect the opinion of The Observer staff. Letters must be kept to a maximum of 250 words. Any letters that exceed the maximum will be edited, at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right at any time to reject or edit the letters for space. Letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number for verification purposes. The deadline for letters is Thursday at 5 p.m. Any letters that arrive after deadline will not be considered for the upcoming publication. Letters can be sent by e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com or mailed to 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032. Anonymous letters will not be published under any circumstances.

Remembering Shawn and Robert By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

In Memoriam Mary Tortoreti 1942-2016 Lisa Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising Director Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising Robert Pezzolla General Manager Kevin Canessa Editorial, Web, Social Media Ron Leir Karen Zautyk Journalists Jim Hague Sportswriter Michelle Rybeck Graphic Designer Kim Pezzolla Sales & Classifieds

Display & Real Estate Ad Deadlines Thursday by noon advertising@theobserver.com Obituaries Deadline Monday by 10 a.m. obituaries@theobserver.com Classifieds Deadline Monday by 3 p.m. classified@theobserver.com Help Wanted Ads Monday by 3 p.m.; must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com.

The Observer 39 Seeley Ave. | Kearny, N.J. 07032 www.theobserver.com

Christmas 2005 was different than others from the get-go. For starters, it wasn’t all that cold that day — and night — and a distinct, annoying fog set over much of the tristate area. I spent much of that day at the home of my aunt and uncle, Annie and Bob Troy, in Middletown, just outside Red Bank. Once things started to wind down, I got into my car and headed home. It wasn’t an easy journey by any means, and I recall, several times, thinking I may have made a mistake leaving Middletown — the fog was as bad as I could remember — and the journey up the Garden State Parkway was nerve-wracking. Though visibility was brutal, I got home safely. I can’t remember the exact time, but it was much later on in the evening. My phone rang and it was my aunt Annie. “Bobby had to go up to work — there was an accident with two of his officers at the Kearny-Jersey City border,” she said. At the time, my uncle, the aforementioned Bob Troy, was Chief of the Jersey City Police Department. It would be hours before we all learned that accident was, indeed, the untimely death of Shawn Carson and Robert Nguyen — both of whom had served in the JCPD’s Emergency Services Unit. The two men had been dispatched, that night, to the then Hackensack River Bridge which, in 2007, was renamed in their memories. Flares were needed because the bridge’s security arm — the wooden piece of the bridge that stops drivers when the bridge is raised — wasn’t lowering. Carson and Nguyen drove their JCPD ESU vehicle across the bridge, to the Kearny side of it, where the arm was malfunctioning. From what I recall, the two delivered the flares, chatted with other officers who were on the scene and then got back into their vehicle. What they didn’t know was that in the time in-between crossing the bridge into Kearny and their chat with the other cops, the bridge had been raised, presumably to allow a boat to pass through. Once in their vehicle, unaware the drawbridge was up — and blinded by

Photos by Kevin Canessa

Retired KPD Sgt. John Manley (l.) and retired Deputy Chiefs James J. Corbett (c.) and John Corbett Sr. salute as the Carson-Nguyen Bridge is dedicated in ‘07.

the heavy fog of the evening — they drove themselves to their horrific death … plunging into the Hackensack River. In an instant, two men who were part of the JCPD’s most elite unit were gone. In seconds, they went from one of their simplest assignments to their deaths. Christmas cheer was gone. For many, it would never again be the same. From the stories my uncle once told me, I recall that there were some officers at the scene before it all unfolded who detected Carson and Nguyen driving toward the open bridge. They ran after them. They screamed for them to stop. But Carson and Nguyen never heard the screams or saw the pleas for them to stop. They were doomed. For my uncle, it was the greatest test of his leadership. Carson and Nguyen’s families would turn to him for leadership, for comfort, for answers. The city would turn to him. It had to be the most trying time of his 25-year police career. He succeeded. A dozen years later, it hit me that I had completely forgotten about Shawn and Robert over the last few Christmases. Even having driven across that bridge several times in 2017, it didn’t hit me, even then, it was their bridge. Too quickly, we forget our true heroes once they’re gone. But just a few days past Christmas, I thank you for allowing me to share this story with you, because Shawn Carson and Robert Nguyen were just that — heroes. They gave their lives in

service, that day, not just to the people of Jersey City, but also to the people of our town, Kearny. And their ultimate sacrifice must never, ever, be forgotten. Man, do I miss Greg Kelly If you, like me, are a fan of “Good Day New York,” may I ask … do you miss Greg Kelly as much as I do? Lori Stokes, his replacement, seems a nice enough a lady — but she has absolutely no chemistry with Rosanna Scotto — months after taking over for Kelly — and she laughs at everything, even things that are inappropriate and not meant to be laughed at. Almost every morning, my mom, friend Kristen and I exchange texts about wacky things she does. All the while, Fox 5 has Sukanya Krishnan hosting from 4:30 to 7 a.m. Suki has incredible chemistry with Scotto. Heck, Krishnan has chemistry with whomever she works. Am I right here? It’s a pipe dream to hope Kelly will return — but please, someone at Fox 5 — admit the mistake. Get Krishnan on from 7 to 10 a.m. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and do not reflect the opinions of The Observer and its management. Feedback is welcome and encouraged. Reach Kevin Canessa at kc@theobserver.com.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Lincoln Middle School Students of the Month listed Robert C. Zika Sr., principal of Lincoln Middle School, Kearny, announces the following Students of the

Month for November: Michelle Cerqueira, Abigail Crispin, Antonio DaCosta, Kyle Decker, Sebastian Glazewski,

Matthew Hohman, Claudio Kochell, Julia Kolenda, Walter Loayza, Jack Logue, Kristofer Martinez, Melissa Mendonca

Rezende, Arwa Ouali, Sebastian Paz, Reilley Peck, Hailey Perez, Julissa Pimentel, Isaiah Pose, Josh Riedinger,

Nicholas Rodrigues, Rafael Romano, Ines Silva, Sebastian Solis, Mya Torres, Gabriella Villafane and Aryssa Whaley.

Garfield School names Students of the Month Curtis Brack, principal of Garfield School, Kearny, announces the Garfield School Students of the Month for

November: Santiago Barba Molina, Cailin Kyak, Evan Cooper, Valery Pardo, Nicholas Zavala,

Honoring the champs

Robert Titterington, Henessy Rodriguez, Yuxiang Chen, Prit Patel, Sarah Rettschlag, Mikayla Benitez, Shekinah Gavela,

Gilberto Moreno, Briana Ortiz-Paltin, Gabrielle Velloso Barbosa, Gabriel Gomez, Brooke-Lynne Mendes, Marissa

Gyuro, Anna Pepe, Adriano Rivera, Joao Silva, Bianca Faria, Irem Baylan, Priscilla Castillo and Vanessa Sa.

Alfajores • Wafﬂes French Toast • Cakes Cupcakes • Pastries Cookies • Gelato Smoothies • Coffee

Breakfast/Lunch Sandwiches • Soup • Omelets Caramel/Mocha Frappucino Iced Coffee • Empanadas Organic Açaí

868 Kearny Ave • Kearny, NJ • 201-998-0702 • Follow us on

@treslechesbakery

(Parking available across from Grand St. on Belleville Turnpike)

We Specialize in Repast

11-35 River Road | North Arlington, NJ | 201.246.0100 CentanniNJ.com | Centanni Ristorante Photo courtesy of Hugh O’Neill

FEBRUARY 4, 2018

CIFELLi & DAVIE

334 Harrison Ave. • Harrison, NJ (973) 482-1180 or (800) 303-7716 Fax (973) 482-0223 kdavieesq@gmail.com

+ tax

TWO 18” LARGE PIES TWO 2FT HERO BUFFALO WINGS (24) MOZZARELLA STICKS

+ tax

Make your Reservations for

• Matrimonial & Municipal Courts • Home and Business Sales • Wills and Estates •Labor and Criminal Law

Experience • Compassion • Results

+ tax

18” LARGE PIE BUFFALO WINGS (12) MUSSELS ONE 2FT HERO

PACKAGE 3

18” LARGE PIE MOZZARELLA STICKS BUFFALO WINGS (12)

PACKAGE 2

Ken Davie “Your Family’s Lawyer”

PRE-ORDER YOUR FOOTBALL TRAY PACKAGES FOR

PACKAGE 1

Several members of the 2017 Group IV state champion Kearny Kardinals were honored at an afternoon luncheon at Cooper’s Block. With the team is Hugh O’Neill, one of Kearny’s most noted soccer player ever, who himself went on to play professional soccer across the globe.

Valentine’s Day! BUY 1, GET 1

BUY 1, GET 1

Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana

Grilled Chicken

Chicken Marsala & Chicken Francese

Baked Ziti

FREE!

served over Pasta

FREE!

served with Vegetable Medley

FREE! over Pasta

FREE!

Sun. thru Thurs. 1 per customer. Cannot be combined. Must be dinner size entree. Any subsitutions will be extra charge. Not valid on holidays. Expires 1/15/18

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Belleville BOE renames program for Vellon By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Board of Education paid tribute to their late colleague Ralph Vellon

by voting Dec. 18 to name the Belleville High School Academy of Engineering and Medical Sciences in his honor. A dedication ceremony has yet to be planned, according to Superintendent of Schools

Richard Tomko. Vellon, a former board vice president, died Aug. 21, at 60. “The community is still very shaken by his loss,” Tomko said. “And we’re still going through that.”

Grill & Cafe BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • COFFEE BUY 12 DONUTS

GET 2 MEDIUM COFFEE

FREE!

CHILD EATS

FREE WITH ONE PAYING ADULT Monday Dine In- Thursday Only

15% OFF ANY CATERING ORDER OVER $100

Buy 2 Entrees

Get 1 FREE!

CATERING AND ON SITE CATERING AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES

Dine In Only for entree only Dine• Valid In Only

ENJOY MINI FRESH DONUTS MADE PER ORDER

Dine In Only • Excludes Drinks

25% OFF

DAPPER DOUGHNUT FRANCHISE INSIDE SCHUYLER GRILL AND CAFE!

TOTAL BILL

WE DELIVER (MIN. $15) • BYOB • WE WELCOME CORPORATE ACCOUNTS

500 SCHUYLER AVE • LYNDHURST •201.935.0900

Give a little

TENDERNESS

Save 75%* on Omaha Steaks

The Family Gourmet Buffet 2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) 4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (3 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets OS Seasoning Packet (.33 oz.) 51689GWX $ $199.90* separately Combo Price

Plus, get 4 more Burgers and 4 more Kielbasa

FREE!

4999

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2 51689 pkgs. Your 4 free burgers and 4 free kielbasa will be sent to each shipping address that includes 51689. Standard S&H will be added per address. Flat rate shipping and reward cards and codes cannot be used with this offer. Not valid with other offers. Expires 2/28/18. All purchases acknowledge acceptance of Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Visit omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks.com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872 for a copy. ©2017 OCG | Omaha Steaks, Inc. | 17M1957

1-855-973-8979 ask for 51689GWX www.OmahaSteaks.com/excellent69

Vellon, who was completing his first 3-year term on the Belleville BOE, had filed petitions to seek re-election. Tomko credited Vellon, who was chief operations officer with Health Plus Surgery Center of Saddle Brook and Dynamic Surgery of Hackensack, as “instrumental in starting” the Academy in 2015. “Ralph’s expertise in that field was the bridge to his personal and professional dedication to our students,” the superintendent said. The “biggest part” of the Academy, which offers specialized courses along with normal high school requirements, is the medicalscience component, Tomko noted. “Next year, we’ll be working on engineering electives to be offered by the Academy,” he said. “And we’ll be trying to get visiting lecturers and possibly a program to introduce licensed practical nursing, maybe with Essex County College participating. Also maybe a course in robotics.” “Our first Academy cohort (class) is now our junior class,” Tomko said, “so the 2019-2012 school year will see our first Academy graduates.” There are currently about 40 students participating in the Academy, he added. In other developments at the Dec. 18 meeting, the BOE: • Retained the Bordentown firm of Phoenix Advisors LLC for $17,500 “to provide specialized financial advisory services” in connection with the BOE’s plans to issue bonds – following the voters’ approval of a $48 million referendum for capital repairs at all schools in the district. • Approved the appointment of Matthew Paladino as school business administrator/board secretary at a pro-rated salary of $128,500 a year for the period Jan. 1, 2018, through June 30, 2018. Paladino has served as interim B.A./board secretary for the past seven months. A former B.A. for the Ridgefield Park Board

The late Ralph Vellon of Education, Paladino was hired as assistant B.A. by the Belleville district in 2016 and became acting B.A. in place of Wayne Demikoff in 2017 after Demikoff left to take a job as monitor for the state Department of Education. • Awarded a school food service management contract for 2017-2018 to Compass Group USA Inc., operating through its Chartwells Division of Rye Brook, N.Y., which shall receive a fee of 12¢ per meal for administrative and management costs incurred in preparing and serving breakfast and lunch to the district’s 4,400plus students. Chartwells “guarantees that the return to the district from the food service program for the school year will be $250,000. • Voted 6-1, with Thomas Graziano the lone supporter, to reject a recommendation by Tomko to contract with Hoop Dreams with Chris Herren, a former NBA player who struggled with substance abuse, for speaking engagement services. The proposed contract called for coverage of two assembly sessions on Jan. 9 at a cost of $10,442.84. Tomko said he pitched the idea because he felt Belleville students would respond positively to professional athletes talking about “character building and drug awareness.” He said he hoped the board members would reconsider the proposal if a “more costeffective” approach could be developed.

www.TheObserver.com

aroundtown

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Belleville

At the library For adults: • Friends of the Library Meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. Want to help the library shape its agenda? The Friends help support the library with funds, personnel and projects not funded or supported by regular budgets. The Friends may choose to buy or adopt books, join its talent pool for workshops and events, promote library happenings, help identify

projects for a better library and participate in library fundraisers. • Job Search Assistance, Thursday, Jan. 4, 6-7 p.m. Learn how to search and apply for jobs through the internet. • Yoga for Beginners, Saturday, Jan. 6, 10-11:30 a.m. Learn about simple but powerful yoga postures to bring stability and balance. No physical agility or prior yoga experience needed. • Movie Mondays, Jan. 8, at noon. 1940s: “Dressed to Kill.”

Franklin School salutes scholars Yvonne Cali, principal of Franklin School, Kearny, announces the school’s first marking period Principal’s Honors and Honor Roll: Grade 4 Principal’s Honors – Sarah Barbosa, Shayla Calva, Gabriel De Castro, Camila Lago-Giuffra, John Lydecker, Matthew Munoz, Valerie Muthikul and Marley Racines. Honors – Isabella Behrend, Anthony Carvalho, David Caastro, Adamaris Criado, Sara Cruz, Dayna Dajer, Giselle DeRisi, Niamh Devlin, Mathew Dos Santos, Michael English, Felicity Ferrer, Damaris Flores, Jordan Guerra, Mylie Irizarry, Kain Izquierdo, Jorden Jimenez, Bernardo Lopez, Isabel Marrero, Joice Medina, Angelica Minier, Tyler Morales, Ebony Nunez, Jonathan Olivo, Brandon Perez, Jonathan Petrillo, David Picon, Domenica Quito Velecela, Isaac Rodriguez, Jonas Ruiz, Alyssa Salerno, Hajjar Sultan, Melanie Teodoro, Renato Valdivia and Gabriel Valles Leon. Grade 5 Principal’s Honors – Andrea Batista, Isabella DaSilva, Mauricio Gomez, Dayanna Loo, George Moreno, Briana Nazario, Saffia Ouali, Alexis

Pereira and Jailyn Racines. Honors – Savannah Acevedo, Kyle Adames, Miah Andrade, Humberto Bernardino, Aidan Burgos, Melanie Campos, Jayden Cezair, Brianna Chevasco, Hilary Costa, Gabriela DeJesus, Salvatore DeRose, Mahi Desai, Gabriela Guerra, Ellalexi Hum, Aliya Jorge, Sarahi Ludena, Eileen Lin, Estrella Lucero, Maria Martinez, Gabriela Novillo, Liyah Pinto, Ciana Pomarica, Vida Quezada, Ariana Rebelo, Breanna Rivera, Melanie Rodriguez, Celita Salas Paucar, Vanessa Salgado, Bruce Santana Cerezo, Yuri Silva, Maybelyn Tenas, Jeremy Thiele, Sarah Valdes and JoJo Yang. Grade 6 Principal’s Honors – Amanda Antoneli, Glenda Arenas, Rchin Bari, Vanessa Batista, Abraham Bianchi, Azumi Casstaneda Palian, Alex Colon, Daniel Izquierdo, Emily Nazario, Saulo Patel, Alina Savytska, Ciara Schechter, Evamaria Sela, Olivia Solinski and Yi Xin Zhuang. Honors – Christian Benito, Genesis Cepeda, Alysa Gomez, Isaiah Jimenez, Ryan Lu, Ravyn Mejias, Wesley Miranda, Jemmy Paucar, Rya Reyna Agurto, Sara Ryan, Mia Salwan, Jonathan Sun, Dailanee Tinajero and Angie Vidal.

For children: • Wii Free Play, Tuesday, Jan. 2 and 9, 3-6 p.m. Kids ages 5-11 can stop by the Children’s Room to play on the Nintendo Wii gaming system. • Storybook Friends, Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. Kids ages 3-6 share stories, sing songs and create theme-related crafts. This month’s theme is “Hibernation, Blankets, A Hat on My Head, Bears and Sick & Get Well Soon.” • Pioneers Homeschool Meetup, Thursday, Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m.-noon. An enrich-

ment activity program for kids ages 6-14 focuses on using history/social study units. Registration required. For more information, contact Ingrid I. Ortiz at 973289-3097. • Kids Coloring Club, Friday, Jan. 5, 3-4 p.m. Drop in for some relaxing coloring. Supplies provided. For ages 4-11. • Crafty Kids Create, Saturday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m. Crafting fun awaits kids ages 5-11. • Bookworm Bingo, Monday, Jan. 8, 5-6 p.m. Kids ages 5-11 play bingo for prizes.

Kearny EMD meets Jan. 10 The Woman ‘s Club of Arlington, Evening Membership Department, meets Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Henrietta Benstead Center, 60 Columbia Ave., Kearny. Members will work on service projects, organized by Debbie Weber and Kathy Stanish. Plans for the upcoming fundraiser on Jan. 26 will also be discussed. The hostesses for the evening are Arlene Sheldrick, chairwoman, assisted by Willie Almeida and Bonnie Leszczynski. The public is welcome.

UNICO extends spirit of Christmas Kearny UNICO hosted a Christmas party for mentally and physically challenged individuals at the Lithuanian Catholic Community Center (LCCC) on Dec. 8. Working with Pathways to Independence, UNICO and the Kearny Ladies of UNICO provided 125 guests with food, music and gifts. Chapter members decorated the hall, served food to the guests and also served as Santa’s helpers. Kimberly and Nick Camacho, Kate Grajales and Melanie Sosa of Kearny High School assisted the chapter with the party. LCCC members volunteered to help serve guests at the party and assisted in running the party. Music was provided by DJ Roberto and volunteer photographer Paul Hirsch and his wife, Luisa, provided all guests with framed pictures. Chapter Vice President Lou Pandolfi welcomed everyone to the party. Mayor Alberto Santos and Councilman Peter Santana visited. Applebee’s of Kearny, once again, provided hot

Kearny UNICO members enjoyed a photo-op with Santa. Pictured (front row l-r) President Joe Sgalia, JoAnn Mitchell, Santa, Celeste Pandolfi, Anthony DeLuca; (back row l-r) Judy Hyde, Angela Varano, Lou Pandolfi, Pearl Yaszczemski, Jim Pecora and Ann Marie and Dennis Latushko. Not pictured: Libby McInnis and Theresa Trucillo.

food for the party. Additional food was provided by Nonna Lisa Pizzeria, the Spanish Pavilion and Pechter’s Bakery. Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Fiore of Bedrock Stone generously provided the gifts that were distributed by Santa. Additional community support for the party came from the Kearny

Ladies of UNICO, Kearny Bank, Schuyler Savings Bank, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tully of Kearny Shop-Rite and Mr. Lawrence Inserra of Shop-Rite of Lyndhurst. The party was a great success as everyone enjoyed the food, dancing to the music and of course, Santa’s visit.

www.theobserver.com

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

It takes a prison to digitize a yearbook By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com KEARNY — What do state inmates in Oklahoma and the Kearny Public Library have in common? On the surface, it would appear — nothing. But look again, dear reader; dig deeper and you will discover a common link provided through … Kearny High School. Wait — lest you rush to the wrong conclusions — there’s no pen pal exchange going on — and listen to KPL Director Josh Humphrey’s surprising explanation. Seems that prisoners from the Sooner State have been busy making America great again as participants in U.S.-

based commerce. Oklahoma prisoners — as an arm of the OCI (Oklahoma Correctional Industries) — are enlisted to function, as the OCI website explains, “more like a business conglomerate working within the framework of state government.” OCI “employs over 1,200 offenders … [and] produces over 5,000 products ranging from furniture to correctional steel products … [and] is also involved in recycling paper, cardboard and pallets…” Photo by Ron Leir So what does all that have to Kearny Library Director Josh Humphrey scans an old KHS yeardo with Kearny High? book that has been digitized by inmates in Oklahoma. Well, according to Humphrey, the Public Library maintains a tives — offers to digitize those ies at absolutely no cost — OCI collection of KHS yearbooks types of publications for public even pays for shipping and dating back to 1925 and OCI — libraries. handling. as part of its industrial initiaAnd it’s done for those librarHumphrey said his predecessors already took steps to have copies of The Observer — dating from the 1930s — transferred from microfilm to an external hard drive and when the offer from OCI came earlier this year to do the same with the KHS yearbooks, he figured that made sense. OCI says it came up with the idea for scanning and digitizing yearbooks three decades ago “after it was brought to our attention that high schools and local libraries throughout Oklahoma were losing their yearbooks,” due either to natural disasters or vandalism. Centanni Ristorante “Once they are gone or damaged it is nearly impossible to Italian Cuisine & Bar replace them and these year11-35 River Rd., North Arlington books are irreplaceable because 201-246-0100 of their historic value alone,” said OCI, which also handles records conversion for other Tero’s Restaurant branches of Oklahoma governPortuguese Cuisine ment such as Education, Human Services, Labor, Supreme 222-224 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst Court and Attorney General. 201-935-8818 Yearbooks, says OCI, “are scanned at 300 dpi and saved in a [jpeg] format, meaning they Nino’s Ristorante & Pizzeria are done with Publisher Quality Pizza & Italian Cuisine • Wine & Beer so that libraries can digitally 442 Bergen St., Harrison reprint any books, just a few pages, or a single image from 973-484-5770 • OriginalNinosPizza.com the DVD ….” Based on his research, HumCooper’s Block phrey said he learned that OCI has been extending this service Pub & Eatery to libraries in different states 95 Kearny Ave., Kearny • 201-991-9677 “for years” and that now, for www.coopersblockpub.com some reason, “they are focused on libraries in New Jersey.” After advising the Kearny Library Board about the proposal and getting its support, Humphrey arranged for the shipment of the library’s KHS

Food&Dining directory

ero’s estaurant

To advertise, call 201-991-1600

yearbook “The Lamp Post” collection to OCI in Lexington, Okla., in March. “We sent between 130 and 140 individual books – between 1935 and the 1950s Kearny High published two books a year – packed in about six 50-pound boxes,” Humphrey recalled. “They [OCI] got the books in March and we got the finished product (a set of DVDs) – and our yearbooks – during the summer,” he said. If you have any doubts, just ask Humphrey to download any and all of the yearbook material onto a computer screen – page by page, image by image, topic by topic – and you’ll see it’s all there. And if you’re wondering about the folks who made it all possible, OCI says its “23 operations located within nine state correctional facilities” which employ “approximately 72 salaried personnel and an average of 1,050 offender personnel … costs the taxpayers of this state absolutely nothing. OCI is entirely self-supporting. The salaries of all administrators, factory superintendents, sales representatives and offender workers are paid with monies generated from the sale of OCI products and services rather than state-appropriated funds.” Humphrey figures the project will be a worthwhile undertaking since it will save a lot of time and guesswork in locating information on a part of Kearny’s history. Digitizing The Observer has paid off plenty, the director said. “We get a lot of inquiries about Kearny from folks in town but also from people out of state,” Humphrey added. Take the one he got recently from a woman in New England asking if he could trace an announcement published in 1968 for the engagement of Maureen Langhirt of Arlington to Robert Lone of Kearny. Turns out, Humphrey said, the woman inquiring was Langhirt, who, he said, never married her fiancé, who was listed in The Observer announcement as “currently on active duty with the U.S. Naval Reserve.” Apparently, he said, each went off on separate life journeys, “but now – 50 years later – they are getting married!” So the story has a happy ending after all.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

sports&recreation Kearny wrestling team moves forward with Carratura Jr. in charge

SPORTS VIEW

CONTACT JIM HAGUE AT OGSMAR@AOL.COM

Lyndhurst girls’ hoops: Working on improving The Lyndhurst High School girls’ basketball team won 15 games a year ago. That total is leaps and bounds better than what it was when John Cousins took over as head coach five years ago. Now, as he enters his fifth season with the Golden Bears, Cousins expects even more improvement this year. “We expect to win even more this year,” Cousins said. “We want to be in the running for the NJIC (North Jersey Interscholastic Conference) Tournament and have expectations in the (NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II) state tournament. We would love to be fighting for the NJIC championship.” The Golden Bears own a 3-2 record in the early going after the Bruce Bartlett Holiday Tournament at Lyndhurst, defeating Paterson Charter in the first round before falling to Bergen Tech in the title game. But that mark isn’t good enough in Cousins’ eyes. “We still have a long way to go,” Cousins said. “We have to get better. We have expectations and want to be playing for championships. We have a lot of things to fix. We haven’t done a good

job yet offensively. We haven’t done a good job rebounding. I need to see some improvement.” Cousins is pleased with the recent play of junior forward Angelina DeCoro. The 5-foot-11 inside presence had 20 points and 16 rebounds in the win over Paterson Charter and added 13 points and nine rebounds in the loss to Bergen Tech. “She’s done a really good job,” Cousins said of DeCoro. “She’s playing well. It’s taken some time for her to grow into her body. Hopefully she will continue to develop and play well. We just need her to be a little more consistent. We’re working on that.” Senior Grace Cappiello is a 5-foot-4 point guard. “She’s a three-year starter for us,” Cousins said of Cappiello. “She’s not the type of kid who wears her emotions on her sleeve. She’s just a steady kid who plays with composure. She does a lot for us. She’s handling the ball and plays good defense. She’s an intelligent player. She also rebounds the ball very well. She has a lot of unsung qualities.” Makenzie McMillan is another 5-foot-4 senior guard. See VIEW, Page 15

Photo by Jim Hague New Kearny High School head wrestling coach Tony Carratura Jr. (c.) has taken over the program that his late father ran for decades. With Carratura Jr. are seniors Chris Lopez (l.) and Paul Fadeski.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com The Kearny High School wrestling program suffered a gigantic loss last year, when veteran head coach and wrestling lifer Tony Carratura died after a battle with cancer. So when the time came to look for a replacement to the coaching legend, it made sense to look no further than the Carratura living room. Tony Carratura Jr. was the obvious and logical choice to replace his late father as the head coach of the Kardinals. The younger Carratura had his finger on the pulse of the high school program, considering that he has been coaching the Kearny Recreation feeder program for years and he also serves as a guidance counselor for the district’s eighth graders. “I like to think I knew the

kids well,” Carratura said. “We try to be like one big family. I feel like we have a cohesive group. We always had the Rec kids come to the high school practices, get to see what it’s all about. I remember when I was a kid growing up, it meant so much to me to be able to go to the high school practices. All I wanted to do was to get the chance to wear that Kearny singlet one day. So that’s definitely the plan now.” Carratura said that he had a good feeling about taking over the program that his father headed for the last two decades. “I loved working with the younger guys and my Dad had the high school,” Carratura. said. “So when the time came, I didn’t want it to be someone outside of our group to take over. I had to step up. We have a great group of guys

helping out and working with all of our kids. I wouldn’t be able to do it without their help.” Carratura said that he felt great going out on the mat the first day of practice. “It reminded me of my father,” Carratura said. “It works out well.” Carratura said that he is getting incredible assistance from coaches like Rich Stacey, Miguel Matos, Joe Chew and Nick Machado. They all bounce back and forth between the Kearny Recreation program and the high school team, making it a true feeder system. The Kearny Recreation program also has coaches in Matt McCurrie, Owen Gonzalez, Rob DiGravina and brother John DiGravina. “It’s really been a simple See KEARNY, next page

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

KEARNY Continued from Page 13 transition,” Carratura said. “I’ve been able to spend time with all of the kids.” The Kardinals fared well in their annual Holiday Tournament to begin the season two weeks ago, a nine-team gathering that packed the Kearny High gym. The Kardinals were always one of the busiest teams in northern New Jersey under the tutelage of the elder Carratura and that system will not change with his son in charge. The Kardinals have already defeated Columbia in a dual meet and dropped a dual meet to Butler. By the time the district tournament rolls around in late February, the Kardinals will have competed in as many as 25 dual meets weather permitting. The elder Carratura believed that the Kardinals became better wrestlers competing against other teams instead of practices with themselves. The younger Carratura feels the same way.

“We’re going to go after everyone,” Carratura said. “That’s the Kearny way.” Going through the Kardinals’ lineup, lightweights through heavyweights, freshman Daniel Silvera is the 106-pounder. “Daniel has been one of our guys from the Rec program,” Carratura said. “He’s been wrestling for a while now. He took fourth place in our tournament. He’s a little light for the weight class, but he moves well. He just needs a little more muscle.” Freshman Jacob Baeza is the Kards’ 113-pounder. His older brother Justin was a standout with the Kardinals in recent years. “I expect big things from him,” Carratura said. “He was a state place finisher twice for the Rec program. He moves well and is one of our more consistent wrestlers.” Junior Steven Silva is a returnee from a year ago. Silva is the team’s 120-pounder. He won more than 20 matches last year. “He has all the tools to be a good one,” Carratura said. “He’s chiseled.”

Mammography

Silva finished second in the Kearny Holiday tournament, losing a tough bout in the finals. “I expect big things from him as well,” Carratura said. Sophomore Vin Ruccatano is the team’s 126-pounder. Ruccatano was fourth in the districts last year and was fourth in the recent Kearny tourney. Sophomore Matt Molina is the team’s 132-pounder. “Matt put in a lot of time in the offseason, dropping from 152 (pounds),” Carratura said. “He’s done well so far.” Sophomore Kyle Osanti is the team’s 138-pounder. Carratura is high on Osanti. “He has all the talent in the world,” Carratura said. “He takes the nicest shots and has very strong legs.” Osanti was fourth in the Kearny tournament. Sophomore David Duran is another returnee from last year. The 145-pound Duran won 20 matches last year. “He’s just a great coachable kid,” Carratura said of Duran, who has been hobbled somewhat by an ankle injury. There are two Kardinals

Open OpenandandHigh High Field Field same MRI MRI atatthethesame site,site, Day Night Dayand and Night

battling for mat time at 152 pounds in senior Artie Smith and sophomore Adam Chew. Junior Travis Witt, one of the best athletes in the school, considering he’s the quarterback for the football team in the fall and a solid baseball player in the spring, holds the fort at 160 pounds. Witt also won more than 20 matches last year and was fourth at the districts. He took second in the Kearny tournament to start the new season. Senior Chris Lopez is the Kards’ 170-pounder. Lopez won 12 matches last year and started the new year strong with a third place finish in the Kearny tourney. “He needs to be more of a leader in the room for us,” Carratura said. “He’s one of the only ones that I didn’t have before.” Junior Noah Ramadan is the team’s 182-pounder. Ramadan has transferred to Kearny from St. Peter’s Prep, where he didn’t wrestle last year. “He’s a ju jitsu guy,” Carratura said. “He’s wrestling very well right now.” Ramadan was third at the Kearny tournament. The Kards have twin broth-

ers occupying the 195-pound and 220-pound slots. Sophomore Matthew Mauricio is the 195-pounder. “He wrestled awesomely at the (Kearny Holiday) tournament,” Carratura said. “He had more wins in the first weekend than he had all of last year.” Twin brother Andrew is the 220-pounder. Both brothers took third place in the season opening tourney. “They both wrestled excellently,” Carratura said. Senior Paul Fadeski is the team’s heavyweight. “He just needs to get a little more confidence,” Carratura said of Fadeski, who was also a member of the Kearny football team in the fall. “He can dominate. He just needs to get that into his head. He dominated in scrimmages. We need to get that out of him in matches.” Needless to say, Carratura is excited to be in control of the program that his father so adored. “I love seeing the progress the kids are making,” Carratura said. “The kids we have love wrestling. We have a lot of kids that are interested in wrestling.”

Premier Care TALKS Presented by

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi SEPSIS

736 Page Avenue Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 THERADIOLOGYCENTER 736 Page Ave. • Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 • (201) 729-1234

THERADIOLOGYCENTER

High-Field MRI Open MRI Multi-Slice CT Ultrasound/ Doppler Studies X-Ray Digital Mammography/ CAD Breast Biopsy Bone Densitometry

OPEN MRI •HIGH FIELD MRI • CT SCAN • ULTRASOUND • DOPPLER STUDIES ECHOCARDIOGRAM • DIGITAL X-RAY • DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY • BONE DENSITY SCAN

Years of Expertise... PROVEN and ADVANCED. CHOOSE QUALITY

CHOOSE CONVENIENCE

Latest Low Dose Digital Technology Board Certified Radiologists 25 Years and Over 100,000 Mammograms

Call us to set up your appointment. Se Habla Espanol • Mowimy po Polsku

Day, Evening & Weekend Hours for your Convenience No Prescription needed for Screening Mammograms We Accept All Insurances

(201) 729-1234

Please visit our website: www.trcmd.com • Ample Parking • We accept all insurance plans

Sepsis is a very serious illness that can, if left untreated, lead to death. In fact, at least half of all people who end up in an advanced stage of sepsis infection do die. Fortunately, sepsis has three stages and, caught early on, most people will recover. Stage one sepsis begins when a bacterial infection rages and causes an overwhelming immune response in the body. For sepsis to be present, there are at least two of the following symptoms: body temperature over 101 or below 96.8 F., rapid heartbeat over 90 bpm, and a respiratory rate over 20 breaths per minute. Left untreated, sepsis will be upgraded to severe sepsis, and later on to

septic shock. Avascular necrosis most commonly occurs in the hip. Other common sites are the shoulder, knees, and ankles. For prompt treatment of illnesses and injuries, please call PREMIERE CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474 to schedule an appointment, or you are welcome to just walk in. We provide routine immunizations and complete physical examinations including electrocardiograms (EKG) and laboratory services. Our office is located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B. P.S. Drug-resistant bacteria may be a cause of the increase in cases of sepsis.

Email any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com

Premier Care Associates of West Hudson is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

VIEW

Continued from Page 13 “She’s an inspirational kid,” Cousins said. That’s because McMillan is managing to play with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee while wearing a bulky brace. “She’s as tough as nails,” Cousins said of McMillan. “She plays so hard. I wish I had about 10 more like her. I’m

against Bergen Tech. She also nailed four three-pointers in a loss to Chatham. “She has one of the prettiest jump shots in northern New Jersey,” Cousins said. “She’s tremendous out there.” Junior Jamie Connors is a 5-foot-7 forward. “We’re using her at the three (small forward),” Cousins said. “She’s an excellent athlete. She is strong. She doesn’t even know how strong she is. She defends the ball well. She can

that are two-and three-sport athletes and that helps us. Gabriela brings that prowess to our game. She’s also a good defender.” Carley Martin is a 5-foot-5 freshman guard. “She has a lot of promise,”

Cousins said. “She handles the ball well. She’s also very athletic. She’s the point guard in-waiting. She’s also a good shooter and defends her position well. She’s tough and takes advantage of that.” The Golden Bears return

to action on Saturday at Park Ridge at noon. Count on the Golden Bears to be in the hunt for the postseason as the season progresses. Cousins has done a fine job of building the program back to respectability.

Make your vision picture perfect... See what you’ve been missing. Visit our ofﬁce!

PINKVISION

Most Insurances Accepted

A S SOC I ATES

Family Eye Care Come in today for:

Dr. Carla Domingues Lic # 27OA00646200

Dr. Diana Espaillat Lic # 27OA00648100

Dr. Maria Domingues Lic # 27OA00630100

Photo by Jim Hague

The Lyndhurst girls’ basketball team will rely heavily on its senior leadership. From l. are Juliann Catalano, Makenzie McMillan, head coach John Cousins and Grace Cappiello.

excited to have both seniors back.” Angela Downey is a 5-foot-6 junior guard. Downey has scored in double figures in four of the five Golden Bear contests, including a team-high 16 points

shoot pretty well. She just needs a little more confidence.” Junior Gabriela Schnur is a 5-foot-4 guard. “She can flat out shoot,” Cousins said. “She works hard. We have a bunch of kids

The support you need to find quality

SENIOR LIVING SOLUTIONS

• Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Pediatric Care

348 Ridge Road • Lyndhurst La doctora habla Español

201.438.8668

HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY

John P. Branwell, DPM., C.Ped 201-998-9700 • 37 Seeley Ave., Kearny

Podiatric Medicine • Surgery • Diabetic Shoes • Orthotics MEDICARE • BCBS • Most Insurances NOW PARTICIPATING WITH AETNA

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE A Place for Mom has helped over one million families find senior living solutions that meet their unique needs. Our Advisors are trusted, local experts who can help you understand your options. Here’s what’s included with our free service:

A dedicated local Advisor

Hand-picked list of communities

Kearny Wellness

Mon & Wed: 12- 8 Tues & Thurs: 10- 8 Fri: 12- 6 • Sat: 9 -12

Chiropractic • Massage Therapy • Acupuncture • Sports Rehab • Prenatal Care 841 Kearny Ave. • Kearnywellness.com • 201.565.3995

Full details and pricing

CARDIOLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE

Help scheduling tours

There’s no cost to you! CALL (844) 348-8671 ! We’re paid by our partner communities

Move in support

Call to make an appointment! (973) 777-3286

1135 Clifton Ave, Suite 206, Clifton, NJ 07013

To advertise, please call our office at:

201.991.1600

A doutora fala Português

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Vikings try to overcome slow start with new coach D’Andrea son workouts. “We wanted to get the program moving in my direction,” Marcello D’Andrea is the D’Andrea said. “We wanted new boys’ basketball coach at to have the kids get more North Arlington High School. involved in everything. I had In fact, D’Andrea coached the an open door policy and made final eight games last season them more accountable.” after Rich Corsetto resigned D’Andrea had one initial due to health reasons. goal. “The transition is always “I wanted to develop going to be tough being a new chemistry between the kids,” head coach,” said D’Andrea, D’Andrea said. “I wanted them who was the head coach at to depend upon themselves County Prep in Jersey City and each other. We have kids before that school discontinthat have come from all difued sports. “The transition ferent avenues. We have kids was more of me getting acwho came up from the JV climated to the kids. We kept (junior varsity). We wanted to things going the same way, but develop chemistry as we move I brought a little more of my forward.” style. Once the interim tag was But as the new season has removed and I was promoted begun, the Vikings have strugto head coach, I made the kids gled, losing all four of their more accountable.” games, including last week’s So D’Andrea expected full contest with New Milford. participation from his players “We’re a work in progress,” in summer leagues and offsea- D’Andrea said. “We will get By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

Photo by Jim Hague

The North Arlington boys’ basketball team will look to new head coach Marcello D’Andrea (second from l.). Others, from l., are seniors Brandon Neno, D’Andrea, Glenn Full and Nick DeGrace.

better. We will compete.” Leading the way is senior Nick DeGrace. The 6-foot

New Year, New You.

No Excuses.

New Lifting Circuit

Limited Time Special

$19

Top Notch Zumba Instructors

No Hidden Costs

Free Weights, Cardio & More! Group Exercize Classes

Show This Ad For A Free One Day Trial!

East Side Fitness, Kearny

Continued on the next page

EYE

CARE

DeLuca Vision Consultants

+tax

a month

guard averaged 15 points per game last year, earning AllNorth Jersey Interscholastic Conference honors. “He’s a bona fide 3-point shooter,” D’Andrea said of

DeGrace. “He definitely can knock down shots.” DeGrace is averaging 22 points per game this season, including 27 points in a game against Weehawken and 26 in a contest against Wallington. “He’s added more to his repertoire,” D’Andrea said of DeGrace. “He’s becoming more of a slasher and getting to the basket more.” Junior Matt Lynch is a 6-foot-2 forward who is averaging 19 points per game and grabbing seven rebounds per outing. Lynch had 25 points against Wallington and 22 against New Milford. “He’s becoming more of a post presence,” D’Andrea said of Lynch. “He now can step out and knock down shots. He’s also a shot blocker on defense. He’s a good kid who is also good in the classroom.” Senior Brandon Neno is the team’s 6-foot-4 center.

@eastside_fitness

495 Kearny Ave, Kearny NJ • 201-991-0020

Presented by

Joseph A. DeLuca, M.D., F.A.C.S. TEENS NEED MORE THAN SCHOOL EYE TESTS

Teens and their parents should not rely solely on the eye tests conducted at school to reveal the entire story about their vision. While traditional, school-based vision screening tests with an eye chart can accurately detect nearsightedness, they do not necessarily reveal other types of refractive errors in adolescents. According to a study involving 12-year-olds, the ability to read at least 45 letters on an eye chart led to a myopia (nearsightedness) diagnosis with 97 percent accuracy. However, the school eye tests were substantially less able to detect farsightedness or astigmatism. This finding is important to note because age 12 is when nearsightedness typically begins to appear in children; astigmatism and farsightedness occur

considerably less often at this age. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), all children should have their eyes examined at 6 months of age, at age 3 and again at the start of school. Children without vision problems or risk factors for eye or vision problems should then continue to have their eyes examined at least every two years throughout school. If you need eye care or just want a simple eye exam, please call 201-896-0096 (our optical shop is 201-896-0007). We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. P.S. If a child is struggling academically for no apparent reason, parents should schedule a comprehensive eye test to rule out vision problems.

www.delucavision.com

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

“He has the highest basketball IQ on the team,” D’Andrea said. “He’s the one who gets to cover the other team’s top player. He also gets on the glass and gets a lot of rebounds. He’s the one who makes the engine go. He’s a very vocal leader. He has a nice game from 10to-12 feet. He always knows where he has to be.” Glenn Full is a 5-foot-7 senior guard. “He’s the fastest individual on the team,” D’Andrea said. “He’s an agitator defensively. He’s learning the point guard position. He has a nice feathery touch and goes hard to the basket. He just needs to develop more of a point guard mentality.” Devon Males is a 5-foot-8 junior guard. “He’s a good shooter,” D’Andrea said. “He is athletic and goes to the basket well.” Mike Cordellino is a 5-foot-6 sophomore who can back up both guard positions. “He’s the point guard of the future,” D’Andrea said.

“He’s adapting to the high school game. He has good pure ball handling ability. He’ll play five quarters (meaning he will bounce back and forth from junior varsity to varsity).” David Matta is a 5-foot-11 sophomore forward. “He’s a newcomer to the team and still learning the game,” D’Andrea said. “He’s a tireless player who gives 100%. He keeps going hard all the time. He’s made big strides. He’s a big part of the future.” Zach Young is a 5-foot-11 junior forward. “He’s a hard-nosed kid,” D’Andrea said. “He sets screens and does all the work that a coach asks for. A team needs a kid like that.” The Vikings will hope to turn things around this week with games against Harrison on the road and home games against Wood-Ridge and Rutherford. But one thing is for sure: It’s definitely D’Andrea’s team now. He no longer has to worry about keeping the seat warm for someone else.

Best booters

Photo courtesy of Larry Kelly

Harrison Recreation Soccer Lower Division Playoff champs, the San Jose Earthquakes, defeated LA Galaxy, 3-1, in the finals. In front row, from l., are Joshua Paguay, Jose Retana, Gabriel Rodrigues, Sean Salas, Xinyue Yu, Mia Choffo, Aadarsh Sairam, Bobby Qian and Gautham Parthiban. In back row, from l., are Harrison Recreation Chairman Larry Kelly, Councilman Larry Bennett and recreation aides Andre DaCunha and Gabriel Trojanowski.

Shining star at Prep Publication Dates:

January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Let your Business or Medical Practice be a part of these exciting and informative pages! Dance Studios • Yoga • Massage • Gyms • Fitness Centers Nutrition • Health Foods • Doctors • Dentists • Acupuncture Alternative Medicine • Physical Therapy Photo courtesy of St. Peter’s Prep

North Arlington resident Robert Dungan, ‘18, was recognized with a St. Peter’s Prep Spirit Award for being one of the most selfless and altruistic members of the class. His nominees stressed his inspiring work ethic and determination, and his ability to lead inclusively and with great sensitivity. Spirit Awards, the highest non-academic honor a student at Prep can receive, were presented to students at a recent liturgy, continuing a 36-year tradition of recognizing the unsung heroes of the school community. The first Prep Spirit Awards were presented in November 1981 when the late Fr. John Browning, S.J. ’46, then principal of St. Peter’s, began the tradition. Pictured (from l.) are Dean of Student Life Anthony Locricchio, ‘96, Principal James C. DeAngelo, ‘85, Robert Dungan, ‘18, and President Kenneth Boller, S.J.

IMPACT YOUR BOTTOM LINE. • Reach 90,000+ Local Readers • Get exposure online at www.theobserver.com and with our e-Edition • Get live reads for your business on our weekly live & online news recap (HBE News).

Complimentary FULL COLOR! For more information, please call

The Observer at 201-991-1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

HOUSE OF THE WEEK JUST LISTED – Cute and cozy 2 bedroom attached house. Three finished levels, 1 1/2 bath. This Kearny home will not last at only $149,900.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION – Best Kearny Manor location. This three bedroom Colonial has it all. Large comfortable living room, with fireplace. Formal dining room, eat in kitchen. Nice walk up to third floor if an extra room is needed. The full basement contains a half bath, a laundry room and a gas furnace. Drive and garage complete the picture. Asking just $339,000.

LYNDHURST – One family Cape Cod on an extra deep lot with off street parking. 3 bedrooms with room for one more.

CT RAEstate Tyear. ONper R C$7,800. DEunder says SELL!!! Great value UNTaxes

at $349,000. Exclusive with Arlington. Vacant (We have the key)

LOCATION + QUALITY + VALUE – This large Kearny Colonial sits on a 50 x 100 top of the hill lot. It contains beautiful wood trim, a fireplace, 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, a two car garage and new multi zone gas heating system. Roosevelt School. Asking $389,000.

The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time. - Thomas Jefferson

Start advertising your products and services to reach over 100,000 readers for as low as $40 a week! Contact your media representative today!

201-991-1600

At East Side Fitness, everyone will get to know your name By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com KEARNY — If you were a fan of the 1980s sitcom “Cheers,” no doubt you recall the show’s theme song, where it says, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” Sorry if you now have that song stuck in your head. But we remind you of this song because like Cheers, East Side Fitness, at 495 Kearny Ave., Kearny, has a similar way of operating. If you call it your gym, everyone there knows your name. And thensome. It’s a philosophy adopted by the gym’s operator, Mo Houshieh, who took over the place last September. “We are definitely a personable gym, a friendly gym,” Houshieh said. “We get to know everyone by name and we get to know the customers personally. It sets us apart from other gyms.” Since it’s now January — and let’s face it, many people make resolutions at the New Year, and going to the gym is always among such resolutions, Houshieh wants potentially new customers to know they’re not only welcome at his place of business, but they’ll also be treated with the respect and dignity every human being deserves. “It not easy when people make resolutions to go to the gym,” he said. “But coming here — no one should ever have to worry. All of our cusstomers should feel comfortable from the first time they’re here. We will help new clients. We will do what they need and what they ask for. “There will never be a negative feeling here.” So aside from the comfort level at East Side Fitness, Houshieh says the afforability of his gym helps it to stand apart. “We charge a $19.99 fee per month,” he said. “We are most affordable.” Affordable indeed. And it’s not just workout equipment at East Side. The gym offers Zumba, boot camps, kick boxing, body sculpt, lockers, ceramic-tile showes and granite bath-

BUSINESS REVIEW room counters. They also offer group-exercise classes. They say they’re not a body-builder gym, but instead a place for people who are serious about their health, fitness and wellness. They offer treadmills with TVs on them, four different types of elipticals, including Precor, Life Fitness and Cybex. They also offer weighttraining equipment from HammerStrength and Life Fitness. So there’s clearly plenty to do at East Side Fitness if you join. But there’s more — and that includes the people who work for Houshieh, who he says stand out above all else. “We have an incredible staff here at East Side Fitness,” he said. “Bryan Alonso, Camilla DaSilva and Justin Smith always go above and beyond into making sure everyone who comes to East Side Fitness feels welcome and apart of the East Side Family. “Our Zumba instructors Karen, Elida and Sofia always perform their classes with extreme intensity and passion, They truly are the best instructors bar none.” He also credits the former operators and owners of the gym for helping him — even to this day — run a top-notch business. “Most importantly recognition has to go to the guys who built this gym from the ground up,” Houshieh said. “Without the constant help and patience from Brandon Zaleski, Wayne Crowell and Brian Lee, East Side Fitness would not be the phenomenal facility it is today. To this day, they are still improving the gym through their constant advice and wisdom. I cannot thank them enough.” Regular hours of operation are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekdays; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. For additional information, call East Side Fitness at 201-991-0020.

www.TheObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

For 20-straight years, HPD PBA spreads Christmas cheer

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS!

FREE

THINK AGAIN!

Analysis for Purchase & Refinance!

ROB PEZZOLLA • NMLS# 266181 • ROB@KEYPOINTMORTGAGE.COM

TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505

Real Estate

DIRECTORY Photo by Allan Ford

The Christmas Angels, from the Harrison PD’s PBA, include, standing from l., Joe Nigro, Darren Raefski, Daniel McChesney, Santa (aka Allan Ford), Dave Strumolo and Ray McGuire. Kneeling is Charlie Schimpf.

HARRISON — This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Christmas Angels Project, sponsored by the Harrison Police Department’s PBA Local 22, which provides Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children in Harrison. The program includes a yearly Christmas breakfast, where close to 100 children and their families enjoy time with Santa. The children also interact with participating Harrison police officers who volunteer their time to bring holiday cheer to our community.

AT THE HPD The Christmas Angels Project was started in 1997 by Lt. Dave Strumolo, a 23-year veteran of the Harrison Police Department, with the help of Lt. Rich Lourenco and retired officer Ed Hernandez. The program continues through the efforts and commitment of many volunteering police officers, especially Patrolmen Allan Ford and Daniel McChesney, Det. Sgt. Charlie Schimpf

and Det. Joseph Nigro. Many local businesses also support the program through donations. The LCCC in Kearny has hosted the program free of cost over the last several years. Red Bull supporters, the Viking Army, have also participated in the program, donating funds and time to make the event a success. The HPD would like to especially thank Lt. Strumolo for 20 years of leadership, service and commitment to the Christmas Angels Project and to the Harrison community atlarge.

Need to send us an email? Here are our most asked-for email addresses. 4CLASSIFIED: classified@theobserver.com. 4EDITORIAL: editorial@theobserver.com. 4ADVERTISING: advertising@theobserver.com. 4OBITS: obituaries@theobserver.com.

761 Ridge Rd. Lyndhurst, NJ 201-460-8000

Semiao & Associates

213 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 201-991-1300 572 Kearny Avenue Kearny, New Jersey 07032 Ph: (201)991-5719 F: (201)991-8860 www.midrealty.com

MID-REALTY, INC. Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

“OUR SUCCESS HAS BEEN BUILT ONE SATISFIED CUSTOMER AT A TIME...”

The Bixler Group

Real Estate & Insurance Since 1891 758 Kearny Ave., Kearny 201.991.0032 BixlerEST1891.com

LLC

Keypoint Mortgage

North Arlington, NJ 201-998-9050 Rob@keypointmortgage.com

Arlington Real Estate Owned & Operated by the Capobianco family since 1924

201.991.0905

SCHUYLER SAVINGS BANK

Schuyler Savings Bank Mortgage Loan Dept. 20 Davis Ave. Kearny • 201-991-6078

Marlen DaSilva Ofﬁce: 201-460-8000 ext. 102 Cell: 201-376-7200 dasilvamarlen@aol.com www.century21semiao.com

Semiao & Associates 761 Ridge Rd. • Lyndhurst Each ofﬁce independently owned & operated.

To advertise, call 201-991-1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Media

The Observer newspaper has served the community brilliantly for the last 129 years. To this day, we pride ourselves on producing a top-notch, beautiful newspaper. However, we look to expand our offerings now to become a full-service media company.

West Hudson Publishing would like to offer our customers the following media-based services:

Video Production Want to advertise using YouTube? Need a video but don’t have the time? Our videographers can put together any video at the most reasonable prices in the NYC Area.

Social Media Need a presence on social media? We can do that at a fraction of what huge agencies cost. Once they’re set up, we’ll turn over the keys to you to run the sites.

Newsletters Need a company newsletter? A top-quality, great-looking school newspaper? We can train your professionals, or you can give us the material and leave the rest to us! We can even circulate yours with our newspaper.

Printing Sure, lots of things are digital now, but people still need business cards, fliers, posters, letterheads, menus and more. Chances are if you need it printed, we can do it for you. Call us today for a very low-cost quote!

Clara Maass names new HR officer Clara Maass Medical Center announces the appointment of Alfred Torres to the position of Chief Human Resources Officer. Torres succeeds James Rowlek who retired in September. As the chief HRO, Torres will serve as part of the hospital’s senior leadership team. He will also work directly with the hospital’s President and Chief Executive Officer Mary Ellen Clyne to advance the hospital’s hiring practices, and to ensure that the hospital continues to attract and retains top talent. He will also implement programs to ensure top performance of all employees and practices that will result in sustainable growth and development of the hospital’s 2,200-member workforce. “We are thrilled to welcome Alfred Torres as an executive leader of the CMMC team,” Clyne said. “His significant experience in leading change at Verizon Communications is a key asset that will be a tremendous asset as CMMC continues to grow and evolve within the current healthcare

Management & Development; Executive Director, Talent Acquisition & Diversity; and Executive Director of Human Resources Operations for the Northeast Region. Throughout his career, his work focused on leading initiatives such as alignment of human resource strategies with business services, creating strategies for diversity, and oversight and Alfred Torres management of national staffing and recruitment market.” Torres, of Washington activities and employee branding initiatives. Township, is an Torres earned an experienced business MBA from the William leader in human E. Simon School of Busiresources and brings ness at the University to Clara Maass Mediof Rochester and an uncal Center expertise dergraduate degree from in talent management, Columbia University. diversity and inclusion, employee and labor rela- He currently serves as a tions and culture change member of the Board of Directors of Repertorio and transformation. Torres enjoyed a long- Espanol. He is also the past standing career spanning president of the execuover 20 years in HR at tive board of the HispanVerizon Communicaic Support Organization. tions, and until 2016, he Torres is a member of served as Vice President, Human Resources Busi- the Society of Human Resource Management, ness Partner for Corporate and New Product & and has been recognized by Diversity MBA MagaTechnology. zine, Top 100 Under He recently also led 50 Leaders, and by the the HR team at MetroNational Eagle LeaderNorth Railroad. Prior roles at Verizon included ship Institute with an Vice President of Talent Eagle Leadership Award.

Soccer champs Media Campaign

Special Occasions

Do you need a media campaign with press releases and the like? We can handle this for you from start to finish.

Want a clever birthday, anniversary, or a holiday present? We can get YOU or whomever you’d like on the front page of any print publication! We’ll even print and frame it for you!

Call us today@ 201.991.1600

Photo courtesy Larry Kelly

The Harrison Recreation Soccer Middle Division Champions were the Colorado Rapids. In front row, from l., are team members Jerson Rodriguez, Matthew Yllescas, Andy Inahuazo, Cindy Ma, Xavier Molina, Nick Vergaray and David Toro. In back row, from l., are recreation aides Alan Chadwick, Andre DaCunha, Councilman Larry Bennett and rec aides Gabriel Trojanowski and Larry Kelly.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941

obituaries@theobserver.com

obituaries

in 1954. She eventually settled in Kearny, where she lived for 50 years. Michele and her late husband Gaetano were married in 1968. They owned and operated Enzo’s Deli in Harrison from 1972 to 1992, and then purchased Linden Deli in Kearny which they operated until 1999. Michele’s love for cooking and appreciation for people made the business a neighborhood staple in the community. She subsequently worked as a medical secretary for Dr. Robert Hanlon, where her unMichele A. De Giovanni conditional kindness and care Michele A. De Giovanni (née were on display daily before Ciampitti), 73, died peacefully officially retiring in 2013. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, surMichele was a devoted Cathrounded by her family. olic and active in St. Stephen’s Visitation was at the Church, where she could be Thiele-Reid Family Funeral seen visiting daily. Through Home, Kearny. Mass was cele- the years, Michele belonged to brated at St. Stephen’s Church, the Rosary Society and volKearny. Entombment was in unteered as a CCD teacher. It Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East brought her great joy to serve Hanover. others, even more so when her Born near Frosolone, Italy, faith impacted friends and famMichele immigrated to Newark ily in such a positive light. FiAugusto E. Cornejo Augusto E. Cornejo died Dec. 27. He was 95. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Cremation was private. Augusto was the husband of the late Paula (Calderon) and father of Alicia Valiz, Marlene Gombas, Jose Luis Cornejo, Cesar A. Cornejo, Arturo Campos and the late Betty Campos. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and he was predeceased by one grandchild.

nally, Michele worked for several years at the Kearny voting polls. She will be remembered for her generosity, compassion and warmth. She is survived by her brother, Dominick Ciampitti; sister, Maria Nibaldi; her six children: Vincent and his wife Susan; Mark and his wife Aggie; Angela and his husband Christopher; John and his wife Anmarie; Michael and his wife Sylvia; and Philomena and her husband Robert; and her 11 beloved grandchildren whom she loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Heritage Fund at St. Stephen’s Church.

Frank W. Schroeder Frank W. Schroeder, 80, of Harrison, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, at St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark. Frank was born in Jersey City, and was a lifelong resident of Harrison where he remained active as an avid photographer, member of Holy

Knights fete community helpers The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus Council 3428 hosted its 57th annual Grand Knights’ Dinner at the Columbian Club Hall in North Arlington Friday, Nov. 17. The council honored Joseph V. Cerreto as its Knight of the Year for his dedication helping the council with its fraternal, youth, charitable and general programs. Chris Brannigan was chosen the Columbian of the Year due to his efforts on behalf of the Columbian Club, the Brother Knights who maintain the Hall and its grounds. Rose and Butch Martinelli were named the Helping Exceptional People Volunteers of the Year for their untiring work on behalf of the special needs population of the local area. The Knights extended its Community Shields Awards to include businesses that serve the North Arlington community. Recipients were the Parow Funeral Home, HB Pharmacy & Apothecary and Arlington Jewelers.

To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941

obituaries@theobserver.com

Cross Church and Secretary/ Treasurer of the Knights of Columbus Council 402. He was a graduate of Newark College of Engineering and employed as a mechanical design draftsman for Atlantic Design Co., Livingston, before his retirement 15 years ago. A memorial Mass was celebrated Saturday, Dec. 30, at Holy Cross Church, Harrison. Frank was predeceased by his sisters Janice Robbins and Frances Wadriski. He is survived by his two nieces, Susan Pecina and her husband Lane and Mary Wadriski; and two great-nieces, Lauren Pecina and Jillian Pecina. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lombardi Funeral Home, Caldwell.

Arlington in 1985. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War from 1952 until 1954. Jim was an engineer for Standard Tool and Manufacturing Company, Lyndhurst, from 1959 until 1993. Private arrangements were under the direction of ThieleReid Family Funeral Home, Kearny. Condolences and memories may be shared at thiele-reid. com.

Maria Santos Maria Santos died Dec. 23. Born in Portugal, she lived in Newark. Memorial visiting takes place Tuesday, Jan. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. and services will be at 8 p.m. at the Armitage Wiggins Funeral James Wynd Home, Kearny. James Wynd, 86, died SatMaria was a member of the urday, Dec. 16, at his home in Good Shepard Church, Kearny, North Arlington. and is survived by her children, Born in Breckenridge, Pa., Estrela, Silvi, Rui and Sara Dos Wynd lived in Kearny for many Santos, five sisters and two years before moving to North brothers.

Shaw-Buyus Home for Services

Mario Teixeira, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757

Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.

138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032

(201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com

Grand Knights dinner award recipients are, seated from l., Denise Parow and Elizabeth Parow Mittenzwei from Parow Funeral Home and Rose Martinelli. Standing, from l., are John Bellitti of HB Pharmacy and Apothecary, Joseph V. Cerreto, Chris Brannigan, Butch Martinelli, and Richard Donato of Arlington Jewelers.

/theobservernj

St. Jude O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles. Near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Saint Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say three Our Fathers, Hail Mary’s and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted R.C.

WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916

You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.

Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home

596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

www.theobserver.com

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. No changes or refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.

CLASSIFIEDS

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

CONDO FOR RENT

KEARNY

LYNDHURST

KEARNY 2nd floor 2 BR, in apartment building on Kearny Ave, steps to bus stop, No Pets, $1490 + utilitities, available February 1st. Leave detailed message (973) 951-7385

LYNDHURST Freshly Painted, 4 room apt, 2nd fl. 2 family home, HT & Refridgerator inc. Near NYC Transportation. No smoking. no pets. Laundry near by credit/background check required. $1,300/month. 1 month security. (201) 438-0132 Avl.now 34W3

HARRISON HARRSION /E.NEWARK First Floor, 1BR, LR, 1 Bath & Kitchen. 15 min to PATH. $1000 + Utilities, 1 1/2 month security No Pets. Call or text (973) 454-3281 34W3

HARRISON 1 BR ground apt in quiet building, 1 bath, EIK, 1 Parking spot, Close to Trans, H/HW included, Laundry on premises, pay electric, $1200 + 1 month security, available February 1st (972)746-6827 34W3

34W3

KEARNY Fully renovated, spacious 1 bedroom, LR, EIK, New matching appliances in kitchen. Street parking and easy access to public transportation. Utilities not included. Good credit and verifiable income is a must. One month security deposit required. No pets allowed. Contact - 201-988-5226 or 201725-3171 for additional details. 34W3 KEARNY 2BR, First floor $1150/month + utilities. 1 month security. No pets. Avl February 1st 201-997-2125 34W3

KEARNY 1 BR . HT/HW included. From $1,100/ month. See super 6 Woodland Ave. Apt. 1, or call after 5pm 917-858HARRISON Large Stu- 8246 for appointment. dio Apt., H/W floors, HT/ 34W2 HW included. Walking distance to PATH. No smok- KEARNY Newly renoing. no pets. $1,200/ vated, hardwood floors. month. 1 month’s secu- Laundry onsite. HT/ HW included. 2 BR start rity. (973) 420-0139 34W3 at $1,250. 1 BR start at $1,050. Jr. 1 BR start at $975. (201) 289-7096 34W3

HARRISON recently renovated 3 BR. separate utilities. 1 1/2 months security. no pets. $1,650/month. Call (973) 380-9007. 34W1 HARRISON

2 BR Parking, laundry & gym $2,500. Also 3 BR new construction ground and 1st fl. garage, parking & Laundy $3,300. Elite Realty Group (973) 268-4000 34W1

KEARNY 1 BR apt. HT/ HW included. New Kitchen & Bath Elevated building. Laundry facility on premises. from $1,150/ month,. Call Sofia after 3pm 201-998-3516 or see super after 3pm 654 Elm St. Apt Basement 1.

KEARNY Arlington Section, 3 BR, DR, LR, Kitchen, C/A, washer/dryer hook up No Pets, $1700 + 1 1/2 month security, Available Now (201)889-4566 34W3

Full time medical receptionist needed for a busy ENT office in Nutley.One evening a week a must. Highly preferred someone ROOM with experience and FOR RENT bilingual in Spanish. Please email resumes KEARNY Furnished room to: entcenterofnj. for rent. Includes interanam@gmail.com 34W1 net, good area. close to

Kearny Ave and Davis Ave. Avl. Now. (201) 280LYNDHURST 1 Bedroom 1868. 34w3 Studio Apartment for Rent, $1250.00/mth plus HOUSE utilities, 1 Month Security FOR RENT deposit. Available Now – January 2018. 2nd Floor of 2 Family House, Private KEARNY Entrance. Large Eat-in 4 BR, parking, Kitchen, Living room, Full gargage & laundry. Bathroom & 1 Bedroom, $2,850/month. Hardwood Floors, New Elite Realty Group large Refrigerator in Apt. (973) 268-4000 5 Minute walk to Trains 34W1 and Buses and all Major highways, Street parking with permit. No-Smoking, No Pets. Call 551HALL 482-2862 34W2 FOR RENT

Short order cook/ kitchen help and cleaning and waitress needed for restaurant in N.Arlington. FT/PT flexible hours (917) 816-2419 FOR MORE INFO.34W2 Drivers, 1yr Class-A: $57,000 to $77,000/ yr. $500.00 Orientation Pay! $16.00/ hr. Detention Pay! Medical, Dental, Vision, Home EVERY Weekend! 855-200-4631 34W4

$$ NOW HIRING! $$ Property Inspectors FT/PT in your area. Free training provided. msangelabove@ comcast.net. (732)766-4425 34W2

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED Part time position available in a fast past office. Asistant to GM, Ability to multi task, answer phone, phone sales, computer skills a must, able to work with microsoft word, Excel programs. Bilingual. Send resume to gm@theobserver.com no phone calls or walk ins.

Do you have

a Job to ﬁll?

LYNDHURST 1 BR $1,295/month & 2 BR $1,495/month &, HT/HW included. Section 8 ok. (973) 760-4877 34W3

BELLEVILLE BELLEVILLE Newly renovated Spacious 3 BR apt. Large BR, LR, DR, Kitchen, 1 Bath. Driveway parking for 1. Laundry hook-up $2200/month. 1 1/2 months security. (201) 463-7034 34W3

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

To place an ad call: 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com

34W6

We can help y reach ov ou 32,000 R er EAD in 8 tow ERS ns 3 counti & es!

Hall Available Family Affairs Mid week special. Call for info (201) 991-9865 or (201) 893-2280 Max 80 people. 34W8

34W2

KEARNY Schuyler Ave, 2nd floor, Modern 6 rooms,3 BR, LR, EIK, Laundry facilities, Parking, No Pets, No smokHARRISON Sussex St. ing (973)204-8022 or 2nd fl. 2 BR, Lg. Living (973)344-5670 34W3 room Walk to PATH & NJIT. $1,450/month + KEARNY 2nd fl. LR, utilities, Parking $50. 1 Kitchen, 2 Br’s $1,200/ 1/2 months security. month + utilities. 1 Avl. Jan 21st. (973) 687- month security. No 7500.34W2 pets. Avl. Immediately.

KEARNY

KEARNY Furnished room for rent. Includes Internet, good area. Close to Kearny Ave and Davis Ave. Avl. Now. (201) 2801868. 34w3

N.ARLINGTON N.ARLINGTON Garden apt. 1 BR, $1,000, 2 BR $1,200. HT/HW included. parking. No pets. (732) 237-4682 34W3

Se habla espanol. (908) N.ARLINGTON 1 BR gar764-0610 or (732) 597- den apt. $1,100/month. 1960. 34W3 HT/HW included. Parking space. No pets. (201) KEARNY 2nd fl. 2 BR, 342- 2206. 34W3 LR, DR, EIK, Sun Porch. 7 rooms. No pets. Nice Area. Plenty of street N.ARLINGTON 1 BR parking. 1 1/2 months garden apt. $1,100/ security. Avl. Now. Credit month. HT/HW included. check required. (973) Parking space. No pets. (201) 342- 2206. 34W3 991-4483. 34W1

(201) 991-1600

KEARNY 1 BR Condo (Heather Glen) EIK, LR, W/D, HW Floors, Parking. $1,250 plus utilities. 1 1/2 months sec. Avail Jan. 1st. (201)8896506.34W1

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT

www. theobserver.com

Buy 1 week, receive the 2nd week

50% OFF

HELP WANTED ADS! Add color to your ad for an extra cost. Your classiﬁed ad will be featured on our website as well!

Call (201) 991-1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

www.theobserver.com www.theobserver.com 24

The Observer is not responsible for typographical The Observer not responsible for typographical errors. Credit foriserrors will not be granted after the errors. Creditpublication. for errors will be granted after the next week’s Nonot changes or refunds. next week’s changes refunds. Deadline for publication. classifieds isNo Monday by or 3:00 PM. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.

CLASSIFIEDS THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

CLEANING SERVICES

Pay for 3 weeks, Receive 3 weeks FREE! 1x1: $81 1x1.5: $124 1x2: $162

AD COLOR FOR AN EXTRA CHARGE (Cleaning Service, Construction, Masonry, etc.)

Plus FREE Internet Exposure. Call us for more information. Ads must be emailed or faxed!

Place your ad online: www.TheObserver.com > Click on Classiﬁeds > Submit Classiﬁed (201) 991-1600 OR EMAIL: CLASSIFIED @THEOBSERVER.COM

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

DO T nterior xterior new repairs. ll types of carpentry. easonable rates uality work reliable experienced. 3 0 0 00 0 3 33 w

ND M N Do all types of home repair at reasonable cost. ree stimate

C.N.R. Contracting

• Concrete • Brick work • steps

Coating

•Crack Repair

All types of Masonry Commercial & Residential

(201) 702-5979 TAX SERVICES P

Tax olutions earny ve earny 0 00 Payroll ervice ncome Tax ookkeeping New Company ormation nsurance udits ales Tax CON T T ON nglish. Portuguese. panish 3

HEATING & COOLING

• Driveway Seal

Happy 2018!

FIRST TIME ADVERTISERS!

uality Dependable onest ervice ears of xperience Daily eek ly Monthly ates vailable ree stimates Maria 3 0 pinhomd@hotmail.com

To place an ad call: To place an ad call: 201-991-1600 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com classified@theobserver.com

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC C. 03 ir Conditioning ot ir urnaces Central ir umidifier ight Duck Cleaning isa Master Card inances offer with up to payments no interest 0 0

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PEST CONTROL

RUBBISH REMOVAL

PEST CONTROL

ANDRIELLO CLEANOUTS

xterminating ast ervice oaches nts ed ugs Fleas Call 3 3 0 icensed and nsured 3 w

MARIO ESPOSITO LANDSCAPING LLC all Clean p awn maintenance Top oil Mulch now emoval ree stimates

3 3

Professional ousePainter . nterior xterior Print ing Plastering Taping ree stimates

(201) 997-0706

peak slow in answering machine please 3

A.A.

Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC LIC. 03 Plumbing town inspections violations corrected steam boilers and hot water boilers oil to gas conversions ewer Drain Cleaning excavations. isa MC inances up to payments no interest 0 0

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating itchen and bath remodelling. Carpentry. ot ater eaters. ully ns. ic

Rooﬁng, Siding, Windows, Doors, Decks, Painting, Tiles & Masonry, Sheet Rock. All types of Carpentry. Lic. #13VH02536200 Free Estimates 20% Senior Citizen Discounts (201) 893-0656 34w3

D. FITZGERALD

eamless utters nstalled C utters Cleaned ankee utters epaired elined late oofs epaired lat oofs ealed Coated ave Plenty Call Dennie 00 3 3

ROOFING & SIDING

M NT NO T ON NO MO T D P C . aths itchens Deck Painting. ll types of ome mprovement. uality work air prices ully insured. ic 3vh0300 00

SEAMLESS GUTTERS

G & R Builders

N O CONT CT N

Concrete rick work steps tone alls Drywall Tiles Painting heetrock Drywall Plastering types of Masonry ree stimates 3 3 3

WANTED TO BUY

unk Cars $ 0 0 No eys No title No problem. 3

JR Trucking Moving and Delivery Service Inc. We can Save Time & Money Commercial & Residential Free Estimate. Ask for Will (973) 477-1848.34W9

Painting & Decorating Andreas Painting

Yard Clean-Up, Garages, Basements, Attics, Real Estate, Rubbish Removal, Demolition Lic.13VH04443200 (201) 726-0287 34W4

Cash

PLUMBING & HEATING

MOVING & DELIVERY

PAINTING & DECORATING

Drinking Problem e can elp Call . . hours 00 3 www.nn aa.org THE OBSERVER

Are you looking to advertise your business? Looking for Help? Sell or Rent your Home? or just Looking to sell some items? Call us to ﬁnd out information on how we can help you reach

New

e roofing lat roofing indow installation iding utters ree estimates ully insured 3 3 3 0 3 0 3

0 30 300 3

over 32,000 readers. (201) 991-1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

FIRE

Continued from Page 2 the apartment below, overall damage to the building he characterized as “minimal.” Some of the occupants were allowed back, he said. The Bergen County Arson Squad, along with the Lyndhurst fire official and LPD detectives, were conducting an investigation of the fire which, according to Haggerty, is believed to be “unintentional.” “In regard to the removal of the victims from the structure and roof, it was an impeccably coordinated and collaborative effort between the first arriving police officers and first arriving engine and truck companies,” Haggerty said. Giangeruso added his congratulations for “the true team effort displayed by our public safety professionals. … Your brave actions and dedication to our community are just some of the many reasons I can assure our residents without hesitation they are safe.” The Page Ave. building was formerly used as a doctor’s office and residence, according to township historian Scott Ackerson. The Victorian structure was built on two lots west of Ridge Road circa 1930 by Dr. George Simms, who served as Lyndhurst’s township physician. Babies were delivered there, X-rays were developed in a basement film lab where a speakeasy bar also existed, according to Robert Irwin. Simms used the building as a combination office/ residence until his retirement in 1973, at which point Irwin’s grandfather, Dr. Robert C. Irwin, took over the practice, and continued it until he retired in 2005 when the building was sold

Submit news To submit a press release to The Observer, send all pertinent information (text, photos, etc.) by email to editorial@theobserver. com. We cannot guarantee placement in the newspaper, but we will do our best to publish your news.

and converted to a residence exclusively. Two interesting factoids related to the building’s history were related by Irwin, currently a captain with the Nutley Police Department: First, a fire occurred in the building in December 1937 -just two days after Christmas -- and second, Simms headed a physician consortium that tried to organize a community hospital but the group couldn’t raise sufficient funds to make that happen.

LFD

A firefighter walks toward the fire building. Several residents were helped to safety from the roof and top floor by members of the LPD and LFD.

2017 NFL SUNDAY TICKET INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA COST WHEN YOU SWITCH TO DIRECTV. With CHOICE™ All-Included Package and above. Subscription renews automatically each season at then-prevailing rate (currently $281.94/season) unless you call to cancel prior to the start of the season. Req’s you to select offer.

Out-of-market games only. Select international games excluded.

Choose any live game you want to watch on Sunday, all in HD. CHOICE ™

Only with DIRECTV — you can’t get this with Cable or DISH.

(Out-of-market games only. Select international games excluded.)

All-Included Package

MO.

Plus taxes. For 12 months w/ 24-mo. TV agmt. $115/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change). Regional Sports fee up to $7.29/mo. is extra and applies in certain markets.

WATCH LIVE GAMES WHEREVER YOU GO Stream every live out-of-market game, every Sunday afternoon, from virtually anywhere with a tablet, device or computer. RED ZONE CHANNEL ®†^ Never miss a play inside the 20, all on one channel, all in HD.

Includes: • Over 185 Channels • Monthly fees for HD DVR & 3 additional receivers

DIRECTV FANTASY ZONE™ CHANNEL †^ Exclusive channel dedicated to fantasy. Get key stats and player scoring around the league in real time, right on your screen. WATCH up to 8 GAMES AT ONCE OR PICK ONE Game Mix Channel lets you watch up to 4 or 8 games live on one screen.

Only available in HD. ^With NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX.

†

Ask me how to Bundle and save. CALL TODAY!

IV SUPPORT HOLDINGS LLC

855-549-4552

ALL DIRECTV OFFERS REQUIRE 24-MO. TV AGREEMENT. EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20/MO. FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT, $35 ACTIVATION, EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). $60 1-YR CHOICE ALL-INCLUDED PACKAGE PRICE: Ends 1/20/18. Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Price includes CHOICE All-Included TV Pkg, monthly fees for a Genie HD DVR + (3) add’l receivers, and standard prof’l installation in up to four rooms. Custom installation extra. After 12 mos. or loss of eligibility, then-prevailing rate for TV package applies (currently $115/mo. for CHOICE All-Included) unless canceled or changed by customer prior to end of the promotional period. Exclusions: Price does not include taxes, $35 activation fee, Regional Sports fee of up to $7.29/mo. (which is extra & applies in select markets to CHOICE and/or MÁS ULTRA and higher pkgs), applicable use tax expense surcharge on retail value of installation, equipment upgrades/add-ons, and certain other add’l fees & chrgs. DIRECTV SVC TERMS: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. Must maintain a min. base TV pkg of $29.99/mo. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Visit directv.com/legal or call for details. 2017 NFL SUNDAY TICKET OFFER: Package consists of all live out-of-market NFL games (based on customer’s service address) broadcast on FOX and CBS. However, games broadcast by your local FOX or CBS affiliate, and select international games, will not be available in NFL SUNDAY TICKET. Games available via remote viewing based on device location. Other conditions apply. 2017 NFL SUNDAY TICKET regular full-season retail price is $281.94. 2017 NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX regular full-season retail price is $377.94. Customers activating CHOICE or MÁS ULTRA Pkg or above will be eligible to receive the 2017 season of NFL SUNDAY TICKET at no add’l cost and will receive a free upgrade to NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX for the 2017 season. Your NFL SUNDAY TICKET subscription will renew automatically each season at the then-prevailing rate (currently $281.94/season) unless you call to change or cancel by the date specified in your renewal notice. Up until the season starts, you can cancel anytime and receive any applicable refund. To renew NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX, customer must call to upgrade after the 2017 season. Subscription cannot be canceled (in part or in whole) after the start of the season and subscription free cannot be refunded. To access DIRECTV HD programming, HD equipment req’d. Add fees may apply. Games available via remote viewing based on device location. Only one game may be accessed remotely at any given time. NFL, the NFL Shield design and the NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its affiliates. ©2017 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

MOST

Continued from Page 1 Verry, a hearing officer, who is supposed to adjudicate the case and make a recommendation as to the guilt or innocence of the officers. Dowie listed the charges against the two cops as conduct unbecoming, neglect of duty, failure to perform duty, misuse of public property, standard of conduct violation and general police responsibilities violation. Each of the cops has more than 20 years of service with the KPD, Dowie said. 2. ‘KPD Blotter: N.J. bail reform at work,’ by Karen Zautyk Throughout 2017, Observer Correspondent Karen Zautyk has followed the plight law enforcement has experienced following the state’s bail-reform laws kicking in. In numerous

instances, Zautyk detailed criminal defendants who committed a specific crime, only to be released on low to no bail, only to reoffend on similar charges. In the No. 2 story of the year, Zautyk reports, on Jan. 25: “At 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, Officer Luis Moran responded to Bergen Ave. and Elm St. to interview a 55-year-old Irvington woman whose pain medication had apparently been stolen. Police said the victim pointed out as the likely suspect a male acquaintance, also from Irvington, who was standing with another man near a parked 2013 Acura. “As Moran approached the pair, the suspect — despite the officer’s orders to stop — entered the passenger side of the car. Police said the driver, later identified as Wesley Carrion, 19, of Maplewood, put the vehicle in gear and headed off — with Moran hanging onto the still-open

passenger door. The officer was reportedly dragged for about 30 feet before managing to free himself. “Moran, who was not injured, returned to his patrol car, issued a BOLO and followed the Acura, which he found parked on the 100 block of Kearny Ave., with Carrion still at the wheel, police said. (The passenger had apparently fled on foot.) “With Officer Jose Resua and Sgts. Charles Smith and Joseph Vulcano as backup, Carrion was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, eluding, reckless driving and disregarding a police officer’s signal. “He was then released. Without bail. “Thanks to bail reform,” a source told The Observer.” 3. ‘14-year-old Kearny boy reported missing still has not been found,’ by Kevin Canessa When we first learned

of missing 14-year-old Angel Gonzalez, his story caught statewide attention. Gonzalez was sadly found dead not long after he was reported missing. But it would ultimately take more than a week before authorities in Kearny were notified Gonzalez had been found. From the original story, no. 3 on theobserver.com’s list of most-read stories in 2017: “A 14-year-old boy whose family reported him missing a week ago has still not yet been found, according to a Kearny Police Department Facebook post Monday, Oct. 16. “Angel Gonzalez may be in Newark or New York City, according to the KPD post. “Gonzalez, a Latino, is 5’6” tall, around 140 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair and a light-brown skin complex (see photo.) When he was last seen, he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, grey sweatpants and black

Nike sneakers, according to the KPD.” 4. ‘Lyndhurst prepares for 100th anniversary,’ by Kevin Canessa The fourth most read story on www.theobserver.com in 2017 detailed Lyndhurst’s preparations to celebrate its 100th birthday. The township sponsored a tremendous allout party on Sept. 30, which included a grand parade, a festival, rides, music, games, classic cars and so much more. Thousands of residents and visitors alike flocked to Town Hall Park to take part in the festivities. 5. ‘Homicide victim identified as Luisa Cristina Reyes Tello,’ by Kevin Canessa The only homicide in Kearny took place April 10 on Chestnut St. when Luisa Cristina Reyes Tello was reportedly killed by her estranged former partner. It turns out her former partner was in the United States illegally.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HIGHEST CASH PAID ON THE SPOT

0% FINANCING UP TO 18 MONTHS! NO MONEY DOWN!

• Boilers • Bathroom Remodeling • Oil to Gas Conversions

• Sewers Video Camera Inspections

267 River Rd. | North Arlington | New Jersey

LIC# 9529 |T: 201.997.8565 | F: 201.997.1085 | www.DeGracePlumbing.com

NJ Plumb# 11103 / HVAC# 19HC00064800

COURAGEOUS

PLUMBING, HEATING, COOLING

Sewer & Drain Cleaning/Excavations/Central AC/Furnaces/Humidifiers

$25 OFF YOUr fIrsT jOB

$250 OFF ANY jOB oVEr $2,500

Oil to Gas Conversion, Best Boiler Prices, Inspections, Violations Corrected, Hot Water Heaters

Visa & MC • Finances up to 24 Payments, No Interest. courageousllc.com • courageousplumb@aol.com

201.206.4845 • 908.387.8150

BUYING GOLD & DIAMONDS .75 CARAT & LARGER Restaurant & Bar Specializing in Seafood & BBQ Catering for All Occasions & Takeout

973.481.3646 224 GRANT AVENUE • EAST NEWARK

www.picnicrestaurant.com

Divorce from

$299

+ Court Cost

Arlington

Jewelers

JEWELRY PROFESSIONALS FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Specializing in Watch & Jewelry Repairs

Up to 70% OFF

WATCHES • 14K GOLD JEWELRY DIAMOND JEWELRY • STERLING SILVER JEWELRY 36 RIDGE ROAD • NORTH ARLINGTON • 201-998-5036

The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time. - Thomas Jefferson

BaNkruptcy

$450

+ Court Cost

www.NJDivorce299.com call 973-273-1325

YOUR AD HERE!

Start advertising your products and services to reach over 100,000 readers for as low as $40 a week! Contact your media representative today!

201-991-1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

Schuyler Students of the Month

WEST

Continued from Page 1 party,” he explained. The team set up a utility locker room for pre-game activities, West said. “They had a still photographer there and they did an interview with the five [inductees] of us. Then they brought us out onto the field during the player warmups. A bunch of people from the front office [notably, Jets Chairman/CEO Christopher Johnson and Glat] came over to shake hands and take pictures.” Joining West, 44, longtime Bayonne resident, for the fanfare were fellow honorees Ed Anzalone, (Fireman Ed) Ira Lieberfarb (Ira from Staten Island on sportsradio), Jack Ransom and Mary Sutton, each of whom got Jets Fan Hall of Fame varsity jackets and two roundtrip JetBlue flight vouchers. They were picked, ultimately, from among thousands of nominees by a panel of Jets alumni and executives. (An initial Jets effort to have the public vote on the finalists was scrapped.) The five Super-Fans were then brought inside the team tunnel from which — as fog machines did their magic — each emerged to applause from the crowd. West jogged, attired in his Jet Green Santa outfit that he dons for home Jets games at holiday time, featuring a new belt with Jets and Kearny thematic attachments to it. “That was made for me by longtime Kearny resident George Hemphill,” West said. Amplifying, West said: “His son Derek was my [KPD] partner a few years and he is also a Jets season ticket holder. When I told Derek about the new buckle I made and the difficulty I was having finding a belt that would not only work with it but the Santa outfit, Derek reached out to his dad who is a wiz with a commercial sewing machine and had him make a custom belt that looked and worked great.” But when it came time for the pre-game anthem, West said, “I took off my Santa hat and I saluted the flag like every good American should.” The Fan-Famers then got to go on the field and be honorary co-captains for the coin toss. Afterward, as the players jogged to their respective sidelines, West recalled fixing a game face on the official picking up the coin — No. 34, Clete Blakeman — who, upon looking up into the eyes of Kris Kringle, did a double take. Then the game began but, unfortunately, Santa West couldn’t Gift-Green a win as the Jets fell 14-7. Still, West took some consolation. “A loss is forgivable once you’re eliminated from the playoffs. … Now you’re playing for a draft pick.” Looking ahead to next season as a member of an elite corps, West anticipates being invited to Jets minicamps and special events — where he’ll likely continue chronicling his team’s activities through photography — he takes thousands of shots each year which he assembles for an annual team yearbook. At the same time, West — a 15-year veteran of the KPD — is hopeful of returning to the job from an extended sick leave by early 2018. His fellow officers “have been nothing but supportive” of his Jets boosterism. “I’ve gotten dozens and dozens of text messages from them — all congratulatory — and even fellows who aren’t Jets fans,” he noted. Not to mention his other home-and-away teammates: significant other Kristina, daughter Morgan, 18; stepson R.J., 17; son Frankie, 16; and parents, Mae and Bill Evans.

Valerie Iacono, principal of Schuyler School, Kearny, announces the following Students of the Month for November: Pre-K: Alana Rodriguez and Jackie Ledesma. Kindergarten: Emanuel Encarnacion, Luca Englese and

Jamiel Ordonez. Grade 1: Karisa Montalvo, Jacob Santos and Kassandra Brunck. Grade 2: Kaya Suchcicki, Keanu Mogollon and Katelyn Desa. Grade 3: Orion Semidey, Angel Castillo and Kelly Funes.

Grade 4: Ava Natosi, Samantha Bedoya and Daniela Mantilla. Grade 5: Ashlee Cerezo, Julian Reyes, Kalee Jones and Isabelle Moura. Grade 6: Enzo Montanez, Julian Iglesias, Ariana Martinez and Donald Kubs.

Your local news source for over

130 Years!

COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

39 Seeley Ave., Kearny

201.991.1600 www.theobserver.com

ECES BUY 12 PI EE R F E R O M 2 GET 1

ONLY

2799*

Special limited time offer!

Hale Honeybells The once a year citrus sensation! Sweet as honey, incredibly juicy, fiery orange and shaped like a bell. Rare Hale Honeybells are available in limited quantities for one month only. You’ll receive 24 snack size Hale Honeybells. Our tangerinegrapefruit hybrid is hand clipped off the tree at its peak, hand packed, then rushed to you days off the tree in January. Treat yourself or give as gifts. Pre-order now to reserve your share of this year’s crop with this introductory offer.

Buy 12 get 12 more pieces

FREE!

Call 1-877-732-1644 to Order Item 2693X or Visit HaleGroves.com/J19189 Only $27.99 plus $5.99 shipping & processing. Satisfaction completely guaranteed.

Since 1947. Hale Groves, Vero Beach, FL 32966

*Plus $5.99 shipping and processing. Ships in one carton to one address. Limited time offer good while supplies last. Not valid with any other offer.

www.TheObserver.com

IC: 8SW-J989

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

E X PE CT B ET TER

Let’s find you the

PERFECT HOME

this New Year 2018! AVAILABLE HOMES UNDER CONTRACT

NEW EXCLUSIVE LISTING!

Kearny

$375,000

1 family ranch facing East located on a dead end street in a desirable Arlington Section neighborhood. 1 car attached garage, 52 x 170’ lot! 3 bedrooms. Full finished basement with recreation room, wet bar & full bath & exit to yard.

Kearny

$275,000

Arlington Section large 1 fam 3 bedrms, 2 baths-nice shape! 1st fl w/ high ceiling Liv rm, den, dining rm, modern kitchen to 15’ x 18’ deck. 2nd fl 3 bdrms, bathrm, finished attic. Fin basement w/rec rm & full bath, Gas heat, cent air.

N. Arlington

$450,000

2 fam w/driveway. 5 rms 2 bedrrms each fl. Walk up attic to fin rm. Gas heat, full unfin basement newer siding, roof, windows and front steps.

Kearny

$350,000

4 bdrm, 2 full bath exp cape w/garage, gas heat, Cent A/C, wood floors, mod kitchen. Well kept.

Lyndhurst

$450,000

Modern 3 bedroom, 2 full bath Cape with large eat-in kitchen, family room, 3 season room, master bedroom suite with master bath and attached 1 car garage.

SELL YOUR HOME WITH THE AREA’S BEST AGENTS & BROKER! Call us or visit our website CocciaRealty.com today!

RECENT SALES• LET US SELL YOURS! D! L SO

D! L SO

83 Schuyler Ave., N. Arlington

george.rosko@ mycoccia.com

201.218.0841

Listed: $329,000 • Days on Market: 20 Closed: Dec. 22, 2017 • Sale Price: $300,000 Agent: George Rosko

633 Lake Ave., Lyndhurst

D! L SO Florence @mycoccia.com

201.719.0755

Listed: $225,000 • Days on Market: 28 Closed: Dec. 22, 2017 • Sale Price: $265,000 Agent: Florence Ferrandino

93 Ivy St., Kearny

D!D! L SOSOL h.rzegocki @mycoccia.com

908.451.6023

Listed: $275,000 • Days on Market: 97 Closed: Dec. 4, 2017 • Sale Price: $250,000 Agent: Helen Rzegocki

647 Chase Ave., Lyndhurst

Gina.Rehbein @mycoccia.com

201.245.3959

Listed: $465,000 • Days on Market: 22 Closed: Dec. 13, 2017 • Sale Price: $489,000 Agent: Regina Rehbein

Kearny

Lyndhurst

Rutherford

Secaucus

636 Kearny Ave.

424 Valleybrook Ave.

11 Park Ave.

5 Harmon Cove Tower

201-997-7000

201-939-8900

201-939-0001

201-867-2100

© 2016 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. Franchise is independently Owned and Operated. Statistics based on information derived from NJMLS for all sales transactions made from 1/1/16 to 12/31/2016, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Interested in a career in real estate? Email: Colette@mycoccia.com or call 973-476-8051